BJP opposes 'naming' of Mumbai garden after Tipu Sultan; minister says name is around for long
Mumbai, Jan 26: The BJP on Wednesday protested the 'naming' of a renovated garden here after Tipu Sultan, claiming that the 18th century Mysore ruler persecuted Hindus and his name was unacceptable for a public facility.
But Maharashtra minister Aslam Shaikh who inaugurated new facilities at the garden in Malvani area stated that it always bore the name of Tipu Sultan, and there was no fresh nomenclature.
As Shaikh, a Congress leader and guardian minister of Mumbai City, attended the event, workers of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Bajarang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad staged a protest at the venue, demanding a renaming.
Police detained some of the protesters before the event, officials said.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, BJP leader and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, Tipu Sultan is historically known for committing atrocities against the Hindus in his state. The BJP will never accept the honouring of such personalities. The decision to name the garden after Tipu Sultan should be revoked.
Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray, who is guardian minister for the Mumbai suburban district in which Malvani is located, told reporters that no such decision had been taken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The Mumbai civic body is controlled by the Shiv Sena.
It is the BMC's prerogative to name a garden. As per my information, no decision has been taken to name the Malvani garden after Tipu Sultan, he said.
Speaking during the event, minister Aslam Shaikh said, The garden is named thus (after Tipu Sultan) for the last 15 years, but nobody objected to it till now. I even know a BJP MLA who is pushing for repairs of a road in the area which is named after Tipu. He conveniently keeps mum over it as he wants votes.
As part of the renovation of the existing garden, tennis and badminton courts have been built and they are open to all irrespective of religion or caste, he added.
Asked about Aaditya Thackeray's comment, Shaikh told reporters that he was there to inaugurate new facilities and not for naming the garden.
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Will you be ok if I visit Ayodhya Temple? Kharge slams Centre on its anti-SC/ST stance
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge has criticised the BJP government, alleging discrimination against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and accusing them of disrespecting President Draupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind regarding SC/ST issues.
Kharge mentioned that Murmu was not invited to the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the inauguration of the new Parliament House. He also claimed that Kovind was not allowed to lay the foundation stone of the new Parliament House.
Speaking at the 'Idea Exchange' program organised by Indian Express, Kharge responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's accusation that Congress stayed away from laying the foundation stone of the Ram Mandir due to political pressure.
Kharge questioned, "My people are still not allowed to enter many temples. Will it be tolerated if I go to Ayodhya then?"
Regarding PM Modi's statement about NDA getting 400 seats, Kharge said, "People are yearning for change. So, the dream of the third time will not be fulfilled." He warned against the BJP forming the government again, stating, "They are already talking about changing the constitution."
Responding to whether Congress should have participated in the inauguration of Ram Mandir, Kharge said, "That is a personal belief. Anyone can go there whenever they want. Modi is not a priest. Why should he take the lead in installing the Rama idol? They did it only for political purposes."
He questioned the timing, stating, "One third of the temple is not yet completed. Is it a political act or a religious act? Why are you mixing religion with politics?"
Kharge highlighted issues faced by SCs, such as restrictions in temples, water sources, educational institutions, and instances of discrimination. He asked, "If I had gone to Ram Mandir, would they (Modi-BJP) have tolerated it?"
