What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
In the final stretch of the Karnataka election campaign, supporters of Tipu Sultan have come out in support of Siddaramaiah from the Congress party.
In the final stretch of the Karnataka election campaign, supporters of Tipu Sultan have come out in support of Siddaramaiah from the Congress party. The former Chief Minister’s vague comments about reviving the controversial “Tipu Jayanti” celebration has received attention, especially from the Muslim community in Mysuru, who consider Tipu as a hero and freedom fighter. Despite murmurds doing the rounds about DK Shivakumar as their CM face, many Muslims have thrown their weight behind Siddaramaiah. Samiullah, who brings tourists to the Tipu Sultan Gumbaz near Mysuru, said, “We prefer Siddaramaiah, and we like Biryani, not sambhar or Dosa.”
The legacy of Tipu Sultan is disputed, with the BJP accusing him of being a tyrant and murderer, while Muslims in Mysuru are offended by the party’s claims about his death. Muslim visitors frequently visit Tipu’s resting place and view him as a freedom fighter. “Tipu was a freedom fighter, and he was killed by the British, that’s what I have read and learnt from my father,” says Anwar, a visitor at the Gumbaz. As per the caretaker of the Gumbaz Congress had a deep connection with Tipu’s tomb since Indira Gandhi time. “I have always been a Congress voter since Indira Gandhi’s time. I have seen politicians visit the tomb during election time just to seek blessing,” said Sheikh Hussain, Khajim (caretaker), Tippu Sultan Resting Place (Gumbaz).
Congress’s outreach efforts to the Muslim community have been successful in garnering support from their vote bank. Promises to ban Bajrang Dal and restore quotas for Muslims have effectively polarized votes, especially in North Karnataka, which has a significant Muslim population. However, it appears that Siddaramiah has been able to warm up to the Muslim voter better with his polarizing statements in the media. During the last leg of the campaign, Sidda made headlines for saying he would repeal anti-conversion and anti-cow slaughter laws and hinted at bringing back Tipu Jayanti. His statements have won him support from many voters, with one of them saying, “I am a big fan of Siddaramaiah. He understands the pain of housewives, laborers, and common people.”
