People and media can organise Tipu Jayanti celebrations; government will extend support: U.T. Khader

Speaking to reporters ahead of the annual Tipu Jayanti observance on November 10, Khader responded to questions about whether the government would officially organise celebrations this year. He urged people and organisations to take the initiative rather than expecting the government alone to shoulder the responsibility.

“If the government has to do everything, why do you just sit and wait? Can't you do it yourselves? Did we say no?” he asked, emphasising that there was no restriction on private organisations or individuals commemorating the occasion.

The minister also recalled the political controversy surrounding the official observance of Tipu Jayanti. The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government had introduced State-sponsored celebrations, which were subsequently discontinued by the BJP government. Khader questioned whether enough people had come forward to defend the decision when the then Chief Minister faced criticism over the celebrations.

“When Siddaramaiah faced issues and was being heavily criticised for it, did anyone stand up and speak in his favour?” he asked. He said the objective of organising such celebrations should be to commemorate the occasion rather than create unrest and political controversy.

Khader called upon households, social organisations, civic groups and media establishments to organise programmes highlighting Tipu Sultan's historical legacy. In particular, he suggested that television news channels produce and broadcast half-hour documentaries focusing on Tipu Sultan's history and his message of communal harmony.

Responding to a question on whether organising the anniversary was the government's responsibility, Khader clarified that the administration had not ruled out official celebrations. He said the government would assess the prevailing situation and take an appropriate decision, taking into account the experience of previous years.

“The government will do it; it has done so in the past, and everyone knows what transpired back then. We will assess the situation and act accordingly. But it is not as though only the government must celebrate it,” he said.

The minister reiterated that local organisations and institutions across Karnataka could take the lead in organising commemorative programmes and assured them of government cooperation. He said the administration would extend whatever assistance was required to facilitate such initiatives.

Khader's remarks come ahead of the November 10 observance, which has remained a politically sensitive issue in Karnataka, with differing positions among political parties over the nature and extent of official participation.