Ahead of Tipu Jayanti, Bengaluru Fears Unrest & Chaos

Amid tight security, the Karnataka government is all set to celebrate Tipu Jayanti on 10 November.

Tipu Sultan confronts his British enemies during the siege of Srirangapattanam.

(Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

The Karnataka government is geared up to commemorate Tipu Jayanti on 10 November. While people across the state hold varying opinions with regard to the celebration, the state high court has struck down the petition to restrict it this year.

In 2015, Tipu Jayanti was celebrated for the first time. That year, two people were killed due to the violence that erupted in Kodagu. From evoking a political slug-fest to becoming a law and order situation, the contention surrounding Tipu Jayanti continues to stay alive.

Thick Security Blanket for Tipu Jayanti

Police departments across the state have tightened security measures.(Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

As the government has planned for an uninterrupted revelry, police departments have enhanced their security arrangements. Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar has instructed the prohibition of any public procession in order to prevent the occurrence of any untoward incident.

"No procession or anti-procession will be permitted in the city. If required, we will impose Section 144 and a strict action will be taken against anyone who breaks the rules," Kumar said. Several policemen are expected to be deployed at all the sensitive points across the state.

Earlier in the week, the Karnataka High Court declined to put a stay on Tipu Jayanti celebrations and scheduled it to be celebrated state-wide on 10 November.

People Fear Unrest and Chaos

The onus on the government to tread carefully during commemorating Tipu Sultan’s birth anniversary has increased. In the last few days, a certain amount of tension was built up in Bengaluru surrounding the celebration. Political outfits organised protests and rallies across the city on 8 November. Amish Kumar, a businessman expressed his concern over the possibility of violent clashes.

Amish Kumar runs an eatery at Koramangala in south Bengaluru.(Photo: Roshni Balaji/The Quint)

I hope there will be no unrest tomorrow. I feel it is better not to celebrate if violence is expected.

Amish Kumar, local businessman

Clashes between religious groups over the black and white of Tipu Sultan’s legacy have turned violent in the past.

Rajesh Gowda works at a food delivery company.(Photo: Roshni Balaji/The Quint)

Violent behaviour over the contribution of historical figures is meaningless. People have died during these celebrations in the past and I wish nothing of that sort happens again.

Rajesh Gowda, delivery professional

The celebration of Tipu’s birthday has always been associated with political motives. While some parties are in favour of honouring the event, some have out rightly expressed their dissent.

There is no point celebrating this birth anniversary. It’s all driven by an underlying political agenda. Why disturb the peace and harmony of the state for the sake of this?

Govind Raju, security consultant

Many, however, still support the idea of raising a toast in the memory of Mysore’s ancient ruler.

Parameshwar, an auto rickshaw driver, is in support of acknowledging Tipu’s birthday.(Photo: Roshni Balaji/The Quint)

I think we should definitely celebrate this event since he has fought for us against the British forces. However, the celebration should be devoid of two things – religion and politics.

Parameshwar, auto driver