BJP Govt can Remove Tipu Lesson from Books but Cannot Erase History – Khader
Mangaluru: “The BJP government led by CM B S Yeddyurappa has said that the lesson on the 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan will be removed from the school history books as he was a “tyrant” and prosecuted Hindus. The BJP government can remove the lesson from history books, but they cannot erase history. The history of Tippu Sultan is not limited only to Karnataka state. Tippu Sultan is known throughout the world. The life of Tipu can be read in various books that can be found all over the world. Can Yeddyurappa erase history?” Questioned former minister and MLA U T Khader when asked about Tipu Sultan at a press meet held at the DCC office, Mallikatte here on October 31.
When asked about the BJP government removing Tipu Sultan’s lesson from history books, Khader said, “Museums in London and elsewhere showcase various achievements of Tipu Sultan and his administration, what will the BJP do about it? Tipu’s memories have been preserved in museums of various countries. If we pass through Devanahalli and ask about the Fort, people will say it is Tipu’s fort. If you go to Srirangapattana and ask who built the Ranganath Temple, people will say that it was constructed by Tipu Sultan. If the BJP removes the lesson from the books, Tipu is not the loser but the students will not be able to study history about Tipu.”
“Today they may remove lessons pertaining to Tipu. In the coming days, they will remove lessons of Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar. Now in Gujarat, it is being taught that Gandhiji committed suicide and students are asked the question, when did Gandhiji commit suicide instead of asking who assassinated Gandhiji? The state government now does not even have the funds to provide compensation to flood victims. Instead of removing lessons from the school textbooks, let them work on providing compensation to the flood victims in Karnataka,” he added.