Mangaluru : Members of the district unit of the Karnataka Gaurava Samrakshana Samiti staged a dharna in front of the Clock Tower here on Friday opposing the State government’s decision to celebrate the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan on November 10.

Addressing the protesters here, Rajashekharananda Swami of Gurupura Vajradehi Mutt said that it was baffling that the State government had decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan despite opposition form various quarters. “Tipu Sultan was an intolerant ruler. He was responsible for the destruction of several temples. Yet, the government wanted to celebrate his birth anniversary,” he said.

Though the people in large parts of the State were suffering drought and other problems, the government was not bothered about solving them. “The priority of Siddaramaiah government is not to solve people’s problems. Instead this government wants to celebrate birth anniversaries of controversial historical figures,” the seer said.

Robert Rosario, member of United Christian Association, Mangaluru, said that Tipu Sultan was responsible was for destruction of many churches in the Coastal region during his rule. He also committed atrocities on Christians.

It made sense to celebrate the Gandhi Jayanti and birth anniversary of Bhagat Singh as they had contributed to the Independence of the country.

“What is the need for celebrating the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan? He was responsible for destroying places of worship of Christians and Hindus. The English media is silent on this issue,” he said. Dinesh Ganiga, president of district unit of the Samiti, was present.