Playwright Girish Karnad is 'mentally retarded': BJP leader R. Ashok

Former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader R. Ashok on Friday lashed a scathing attack to Playwright Girish Karnad as 'mentally retarded' for comparing Tipu Sultan with Maratha warrior Chhatrapathi Shivaji.

Ashok lashed out at Karnad in a relentless manner, Questioning the logic behind Karnad's comparison of Tipu with Shivaji, he said, "His statements prove that Karnad is mentally retarded."

Amid of the escalating tension in Karnataka over the birth anniversary of the 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan, Ashok said Chief Minister Sidharamaih is against Hindus and are spreading communalism.

"Karnataka is a very peaceful state but now it has become a burning state specially under Siddaramaiah and the congress who is creating problems for the last three four years in the Tipu jayanti celebration. They have selected Dipawali specially to hurt the Hindus.

Siddaramaiah is against Hindus. They selected this date purposely to hurt the feelings of the Hindus.They are spreading communalism, they are the Congress agents," he added.

Karnad had earlier apologised for his remarks saying he did not intend to hurt anyone as he was only expressing his opinion about Tipu Sultan on his birth anniversary.

People of Karnataka respect Tipu Sultan as he opposed the colonial rulers.

However, protest demonstrations were held and rallies were taken out against him in many cities and towns across Karnataka.