At a time when Karnataka is divided over the upcoming Tipu Jayanti celebrations in the state, Indian President Ramnath Kovind has hailed the 18th-century ruler of Mysuru as a hero.
President Kovind (Source: PTI)
"Tipu Sultan died historic death fighting British. He was also pioneer in use of Mysore rockets in warfare," President Kovind said on Wednesday while addressing the joint session of Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council on 60th anniversary of Vidhan Soudha.?
In his battles with the British, Tipu has been hailed for pioneering rocket warfare, with the use of Mysorean rockets which are said to be the first iron-cased rockets successfully deployed for military use, which was later adopted and developed further by the Europeans.?
AFP/ File
The president's endorsement of Tipu comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is vehemently opposed to the state government's plan to hold his birthday celebrations on November 10.
The BJP has accuses Tipu of being a tyrant and being anti-Hindu and anti-Kannada.
Many BJP leaders including Union Minister of State for Skill Development Anantkumar Hegde have refused to take part in the celebrations.
The BJP has accused the state government of using the Tipu Jayanti celebrations to gain political mileage before the Assembly elections that are due in May 2018.