Former Karnataka CM Yeddyurappa courts arrests to protest against Tipu Jayanti celebration

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, November 10, 2016: Ahead of the Tipu Sultan Jayanti celebrations in Karnataka, former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa courted arrest to protest against it. "We are not anti-Muslim but we strongly oppose the Tipu Jayanti programme," Yeddyurappa told India Today.

Earlier, 48 BJP protesters were arrested today in Madikeri. Those arrested include BJP’s Kodagu unit president Manu Muthappa, MLAs KG Bopaiah, Appachu Ranjan and MLC Sunil Subramani. Appachu Ranjan was scheduled to preside over a meeting.

"All of them were picked up under preventive arrests," said Superintendent of Police, Coorg, P Rajendra Prasad.

Several BJP workers also staged a protest outside the Town Hall in Bengaluru against the Tipu Sultan Jayanti celebration.

In Kodagu district, people responded to the call for bandh by the Hindu Jagran Vedike and other organisations. Private buses and autos were off the road and shops remained shut.

On Wednesday, two people were killed in the clashes which erupted in Kodagu when a procession was taken out as part of the Tipu Sultan Jayanti celebration. Prohibitory orders have also been put in place in Bengaluru city as well to maintain law and order.

Across Karnataka, many have decided to stay indoors today.