Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of Dr BR Ambedkar Bhavan in Srirangapatna on August 3, the minister said that even though Tipu Sultan laid the foundation stone for the Kannambadi Dam, no one dares to speak about it. His remarks, made during the commemoration of Mysuru sage Nalvadi Wodiyar, in which he claimed Tipu Sultan can still be seen laying the foundation stone at the KRS Gate, sparked controversy.
“Those who do not know history cannot create history,” he said. He pointed out that there is a Tipu Mosque in the town and a temple next to it, highlighting the harmony during Tipu’s reign. “On one side, they say, ‘No, Akbar,’ and on the other, they say, ‘The bell rings, ton, ton.’ Of the two, Tipu Sultan was the most balanced,” he added.
The minister praised Tipu for abolishing the Devadasi system, ensuring that no land was given to the rich during his rule, and introducing silk production (sericulture) to the country. He also hailed Tipu as a great freedom fighter who fought against the British on the battlefield and criticised those who speak against him without understanding his contributions.