DYFI president cites political motives behind police directive to remove the cutout.
Team Clarion
BENGALURU – Police authorities have objected to a cutout of Tipu Sultan near the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) office in Harekala village in South Karnataka’s Ullal Taluk.
Police have directed the DYFI to remove the six-foot-high cardboard-made cutout, citing concerns over law and order.
The directive came after the cutout was erected at the weekend without “obtaining proper permission.” The police maintained that the installation of the cutout was unauthorised and needs to be removed to maintain public order.
Responding to the directive, B.K. mtiyaz, the Dakshina Kannada president of DYFI, clarified that the cutout was set up in connection with the upcoming three-day 12th Karnataka conference of DYFI scheduled to commence at Unity Hall, Kallapu, from February 25. Imtiyaz emphasised that the DYFI had also displayed cutouts and banners of other prominent figures like Rani Abbakka, Koti and Chennaya, along with various social reformers and freedom fighters, as part of the conference arrangements.
In a statement, Imtiyaz questioned the rationale behind banning the display of Tipu Sultan’s imagery in public spaces, asking whether there exists a BJP or Congress government in Dakshina Kannada. He asserted that there is no intention to remove the Tipu Sultan cutout, arguing that its installation aligns with the organisation’s objectives and the spirit of the event.
The controversy surrounding the Tipu Sultan cutout installation reflects broader tensions over historical figures and their representation, prompting discussions on political affiliations and the right to commemorate figures from diverse backgrounds.
