Not a setback to BJP, says Bommai after seer's call to stop raking up issue of Uri, Nanje Gowda
Hubballi (KTK) (PTI): Ruling out any "setback" to the ruling BJP over the raging controversy on the history of Tipu Sultan's killing and the claimed role of Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda in it, following a prominent seer's call to put an end to it, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said there would be victory on the day the truth came out after proper research.
A section of people in the old Mysuru belt and some ruling BJP leaders have claimed that erstwhile Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan did not die fighting the British, but was killed by two alleged Vokkaliga chieftains Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda. The claim has been contested by prominent historians.
"There is no question of any setback. When research happens and the day truth comes out, will get victory," Bommai said in response to a question on whether the controversy would adversely impact the party.
In a veiled attack against opposition parties, especially the Congress, Bommai responding to another question said, "I'm not speaking about Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda alone. Several historical truths have been suppressed and history has been distorted across the country after independence, including Karnataka. It is known to everyone as to who played an important role in it then. If the truth is told now, they are unable to digest it."
While, Congress and JD(S) leaders have maintained that Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda did not even exist, and that they might just be fictional characters, the BJP, which is trying to make inroads into the Vokkaliga dominated 'Old Mysuru' region ahead of the upcoming Assembly election in the state, seems to be using the duo as their latest mascots.
BJP is using them to target Tipu Sultan, and to accuse the Congress and JD(S) of indulging in appeasement politics by celebrating the Muslim ruler.
Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, the chief pontiff of influential the Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math, on Monday cited the lack of historical evidence to the existence of the two Gowdas and called for putting an end to the issue.
The seer of the Math, which is highly regarded by Vokkaligas, has called for gathering of information, edicts and historical records about the duo, if any, before arriving at any decision.
On Monday, he had also summoned Horticulture Minister Munirathna, a film producer-turned-politician, whose studio planned to make a movie by registering the title, 'Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda', and directed him not to go ahead with the project. Munirathna too has agreed to abide by the Seer's directive.
The names of Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda came to the fore after the release of a play Tippuvina Nija Kanasugalu' (The True Dreams of Tipu) last year by Rangayana director Addanda Cariappa, though there has been a debate on the issue in the past.
Some BJP leaders claim that there is historical evidence regarding the duo, as their names appear in plays and ballads, and that they fought Tipu to safeguard the family of Mysuru Maharajas and to protect the state.
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'Strong evidence' available against Saif attacker, police tell court while opposing his bail plea
Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI): Police have opposed the bail plea of the Bangladeshi national arrested for allegedly stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan with a knife and injuring him at his home here in January this year, telling a Mumbai court there was "strong evidence" against the accused.
Citing a Forensic Science Laboratory report, police reiterated before the sessions court their earlier claim knife fragments that got lodged near the actor's spine during the attack as well as a part found at the crime spot have matched with the weapon recovered from the accused, Shariful Islam.
These three pieces were part of the same weapon (knife) used to attack the filmstar, the police said in a written response to the accused's plea submitted in the court on Thursday (July 24).
Khan was repeatedly stabbed with a knife by an intruder inside his 12th floor apartment in upscale Bandra on January 16 during a robbery attempt.
The 54-year-old actor underwent surgery at Lilavati Hospital to remove a piece of knife that got lodged near his spine during the attack. He was discharged from the private hospital after five days.
Shariful Islam, a Bangladeshi national, was arrested two days later for allegedly stabbing Khan.
The police, in their response, highlighted that the accused is a Bangladeshi citizen residing illegally in India.
If granted bail, there was a possibility that he may flee India and not appear before the court during the trial. The crime committed by the accused is of a "very serious nature, and strong evidence" is available against him, they argued.
In his bail plea, filed through advocate Vipul Dushing, the accused asserted he was innocent and had no prior criminal record.
Investigation into the case has practically concluded with only the filing of a chargesheet pending, the accused contended while seeking bail.
The alleged attacker has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections related to house trespass, robbery and dacoity with attempt to cause death or grievous injury.
