Date:23/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/23/stories/2006092305450300.htm

Karnataka - Bellary

Minister's statements condemned

Staff Correspondent

`The use of Persian was limited to Tipu's correspondence'

BELLARY: Muslims in Bellary have condemned the reported statements against Tipu Sultan by D.H. Shankaramurthy, Minister for Higher Education, and demanded that he be dropped from the Cabinet immediately.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, several leaders of the community, including Ghulam Ghouse Siddiqui, Abdul Aziz, president Anjuman-e-Islam, Humayun Khan, former corporator, said the reported remarks by the Minister that Tipu Sultan was anti-Kannada were unwarranted. They said that it would disturb communal harmony in the State.

According to them, Tipu Sultan was known for his valour and had fought against the British besides propagating Kannada and developing the State. The use of Persian was limited to his correspondence, trade and commerce and could not be termed as anti-Kannada, they claimed.

They said protests would be held against the Minister all over the State.

Besides urging Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to drop Mr. Shankaramurthy from the Ministry, they demanded that the international airport at Devanahalli be named after Tipu Sultan. They said Tipu Sultan Bhavans should be built in all districts and a centre to study about Tipu Sultan should be set up.