Focus on good deeds of Tipu Sultan, says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

In a statement which is likely to incur the wrath of right-wing political parties, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar urged people to focus on good deeds of Tipu Sultan.

The spiritual guru told a private TV channel that, "Every leader did something right and something wrong. Learn something from the leader and focus on his good deeds." The BJP, some right-wing groups and the members of Kodava community are opposing the celebrations alleging that Tipu was a religious "bigot" who had massacred many people and forced them to embrace Islam.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted in honour of Tipu Sultan Jayanti. He tweeted, "Honouring India's first freedom fighter and the Tiger of Mysore for his bravery and sacrifice in fighting the British. Karnataka salutes his patriotism, courage and military excellence." Bengaluru has come under a thick security blanket on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the 18th-century ruler of the Mysore Kingdom. Thirty Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons and 25 armed platoons, besides policemen and officers of city police, are deployed.

No procession will be allowed in the city that is related to Tipu Jayanti, except for the one organised by the state government, according to police. Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar said, "We are not giving permission to any profession, whether it is in favour of Tipu Jayanti or against it. The government itself is celebrating the event in various parts of the city for which we have made elaborate arrangements."