Karnataka Legislative Council Leader of Opposition (LoP) Chalavadi Narayanaswamy has sparked controversy with his comments regarding the celebration of Tipu Sultan’s birthday and the Waqf Board’s powers. In a statement made to the media, Narayanaswamy questioned the justification for celebrating the birth anniversary of the controversial historical figure, Tipu Sultan, particularly within the Muslim community, suggesting that there is no tradition of such celebrations.
“In the Muslim community, there is no tradition of birth anniversary celebration, so why is Tipu Sultan’s birthday being celebrated? We have nothing to do with their mosque – we have nothing to do with that,” Narayanaswamy stated, underscoring his belief that religious observances should be based on the traditions of each community. He further emphasized that his party does not interfere in matters related to Hindus, Muslims, or Christians, stressing the importance of respecting individual religious practices as enshrined in the Constitution.
Narayanaswamy also took aim at the Congress party for allegedly granting powers to the Waqf Board, an institution that manages properties and endowments related to the Muslim community. He pointed out that there is no mention of the Waqf in the Indian Constitution, yet, according to him, the Congress has given the Waqf Board significant powers over time. “We are doing it (bringing the Waqf amendment act) to include the Waqf Board in the Constitution,” he added, suggesting that the current move to amend the law is aimed at rectifying what he perceives as an imbalance in the allocation of powers.
The comments from Narayanaswamy are likely to reignite debates around the celebration of Tipu Sultan’s birthday, which has been a subject of political controversy in Karnataka, with the ruling party and the opposition often at odds over his legacy. Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of Mysore, is seen by some as a freedom fighter and a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule, while others criticize his policies and actions, particularly toward Hindu communities.
Narayanaswamy’s remarks also highlight ongoing discussions about the Waqf Board and its powers, which some political leaders and parties view as an overreach, while others defend it as an important institution for preserving Muslim heritage and managing religious properties.
As Karnataka prepares for upcoming elections, these issues are expected to remain at the forefront of political discourse, with both the ruling Congress and opposition parties vying for support over sensitive topics related to religion, governance, and historical figures.
