JD(U) criticises BJP over violence during Tipu celebrations

JD-U today launched a hard-hitting attack on BJP over the violence that erupted in Karnataka over holding the birth anniversary celebrations of 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan saying the saffron party has "not learnt any lesson from its humiliating defeat" in Bihar.
"In spite of "humiliating" defeat of NDA in the recent election of Bihar Assembly, the communal forces connected with BJP have not learnt a lesson...
"I am confident that in the coming assembly elections in 2016 (in four states West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala) NDA will face the same defeat as in Bihar," party President Sharad Yadav said in a statement.

"Again on anniversary of Tipu Sultan the violence has taken place which is very bad, dangerous and serious for the unity and integrity of this country. Unless these divisive forces resist themselves from their actions, it will be difficult to control the law and order situation in the country.
"They should understand that they are living in a secular country where Hindus and Muslims have to live together and there is no other way to keep peace. I do not understand that whether these forces want another partition and to see the dark days for human beings," Yadav added.
He noted that Hindu religion never preaches that we should burn and beat the human beings.

"Further, I would like to mention that Tipu Sultan was a secular ruler, who even reconstructed many temples. He took on the British rulers with hard hand and the British rulers had to accept his terms and conditions on many issues in the interest of our country. He banned liquor. When he came to know that women in Kerala are prohibited from wearing blouse, he sent blouses to them.

"He used to say that he can never become the slave of the British and also he said that it is better to live one day as a Tiger than hundred years as a jackal. He was one of the architects of promoting communal harmony," Yadav said.

"Some communal forces protested against anniversary celebrations of such a personality who did a lot for the welfare of the country," he said.
Calling this "another example of intolerance" in the country which has been "increasing" after NDA Government came into power at Centre, he cited the return of awards by some writers, academicians and artists on the intolerance issue.
"I am sad and pained to know that one person has died in clash over Tipu Sultan 165th birth anniversary being celebrated in the State of Karnataka, and I convey my condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased," Yadav said.