Karnataka Congress MLA Prasad Abbayya has sparked controversy by proposing to rename Mysuru airport after Tipu Sultan, a historical Muslim ruler. This suggestion faced strong opposition from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs in the Karnataka Assembly.
Abbayya, representing Hubballi-Dharwad (East), put forth the idea during discussions about urging the government to request name changes for airports. He stated, "I propose renaming Mysuru airport to Tipu Sultan airport."
This proposal triggered a heated reaction from BJP MLAs, leading to protests and objections from their end during the assembly session.
However, the Karnataka Assembly later passed a resolution, unanimously recommending four airports be named after significant figures. As per the resolution, Hubballi airport would honor Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna, Belagavi airport after Kittur Rani Chennamma, Shivamogga airport after Rashtrakavi Dr KV Puttappa (Kuvempu), and Vijayapura airport after Sri Jagadjyoti Basaveshwara.
Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil stated that these new names would be suggested to the central government for approval.
Earlier remarks by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted Kittur Rani Channamma and Tipu Sultan as inspirations for fighting for self-respect. He praised Channamma's courage in facing the British army and emphasized their significance in motivating the youth.
Tipu Sultan has remained a contentious figure in Karnataka's history. In 2016, during Siddaramaiah's tenure as Chief Minister, Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary was celebrated as "Tipu Jayanti." However, after the BJP assumed power in 2019, this celebration was discontinued.
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