Remarks by Jnanpith award winner Girish Karnad that it was more suitable to name the international airport in the city after Tipu Sultan rather than Kempegowda, have stirred a controversy. Mr. Karnad had said that while Kempegowda was no freedom fighter, Tipu Sultan, a freedom fighter, was born in Devanahalli, where the airport stands.
Following these remarks, the writer has had to face protests at his house in J.P. Nagar on Tuesday evening. Police have provided security cover for his house and Mr. Karnad is presently holed in his house.
His remarks about Kempegowda have gained caste overtones as the Vokkaligara Sangha is huddled in a meeting to condemn the remarks. The organisation is scheduled to take out a protest against the writer.
Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishat and BJP have held multiple protests in the city against Mr. Karnad’s remarks and to condemn the death of VHP worker Kuttappa in Madikeri which they have termed a murder. The organisations have held protests across the State including in Kodagu and Mysuru.
Karnataka Komu Souhardha Vedike has announced that it will hold a protest in front of Town Hall on Wednesday evening, against the communalisation of Tipu Sultan. Many progressive writers are expected to take part in this protest.
