AIMIM had asked to celebrate Tipu Jayanti at Idgah ground in Hubli.
Bangalore:
Hyderabad politician Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has got approval to celebrate the birth anniversary of Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan at Idgah ground in Hubballi, Karnataka next month, which was at the center of a major controversy. . On Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in August.
AIMIM and some other organizations had approached the municipal corporation seeking permission to celebrate Tipu Jayanti at Idgah ground in Hubballi, Karnataka. The civic body announced that it was accepting AIMIM’s request on Wednesday.
His request was challenged by Shri Ram Sena, which submitted a request to celebrate Kanakdas Jayanti at the ground.
Mayor Viresh Anchatgeri earlier told news agency ANI that religious activities can be done at the Idgah ground, but “no big leaders will be allowed”.
Karnataka Home Minister Araga Gyanendra told ANI, “This is a matter which pertains to Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation and the Mayor, Chief Minister of Karnataka will look into it.”
Earlier in August, the Karnataka High Court had allowed Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations to go ahead in the ground, sparking a major controversy.
A local Muslim organization opposed the civic body’s move to allow the ceremony there, saying the municipal commissioner was “trying to change the place of worship”.
When the matter went to the Supreme Court, it too refused to stop the celebrations, making it the first time that a Hindu festival was celebrated in the grounds.
The high court said that a “serious dispute” over ownership in the Bengaluru Idgah land case, on which the Supreme Court had earlier ordered “status quo” on a petition by the Karnataka Waqf Board, did not arise here as the grounds have been parked. Used for routine activities, including vehicles, and is not a place of worship.