Amit Shah, the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been at the center of a storm in Karnataka with his recent comments on Tipu Sultan and temple construction. In a rally in Bengaluru, Shah compared two prominent personalities of Karnataka: one who built a temple and another who glorified a historical figure.
The BJP leader’s remarks have left many questioning the party’s intentions in Karnataka, particularly given the ongoing debate over the construction of a new temple at Srirangapatna, the site where Tipu Sultan was defeated by the British in 1799. The issue has sparked intense opposition from various sections of society, with many arguing that the construction project is a symbol of the state’s cultural heritage being erased.
Shah, however, has taken a different stance on the matter. He compared the two personalities, saying that one built temples and was known for his kindness, while the other glorified Tipu Sultan, who he claimed had killed thousands of people. Shah’s comments have been seen as an attempt to appease the Hindu community in Karnataka, which has been vocal in its opposition to the construction project.
Experts say that Shah’s strategy is a classic example of playing the Hindutva card, which has been a key factor in BJP’s success in recent years. ‘Amit Shah is trying to consolidate the party’s base by exploiting the Hindu sentiment in Karnataka,’ said a political analyst. ‘This is not only a tactical move but also a reflection of the BJP’s overall strategy to tap into the growing nationalism in the country.’
However, not everyone is convinced that this approach will yield positive results for the BJP. Critics argue that Shah’s comments have alienated sections of society who were previously open to the party’s message. ‘By taking such a divisive stance on Tipu Sultan, Amit Shah has only managed to further polarize the state,’ said another expert.
When asked about his remarks, Shah’s office maintained that he was merely stating facts and not making any personal attacks. However, the controversy surrounding his comments has raised questions about the BJP’s ability to build bridges across different communities in Karnataka.