Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 14: State chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy, asserted that Tipu Jayanti celebrations would not be withdrawn at any cost.

Speaking to media persons in the city, he said that the coalition government will go ahead with the celebration of Tipu Jayanti, and that there neither any thought nor any proposal to scrap it. He clarified he could not take part in the celebrations as he was taking rest at the advice of doctors on account of ill health.

"We will continue to celebrate Tipu Jayanti in the coming years. At the same time, there is no rule that the chief minister should attend all the government programmes," he said.

Speaking at Tumakuru, deputy chief minister, Dr G Parameshwar, said that this is a government programme. "People are free to comment or criticize it. However, passing derogatory comments is not allowed. We have specifically instructed officials to take legal action against anyone making untoward comments," he clarified. Commenting about the arrest of journalist, Santosh Thammaiah in Kodagu, he said that the government has not targetted any persons but those making derisive comments will face legal action.

When questioned about provocative remarks on Hindu gods made by rationalist, Bhagwan, Parameshwar said action would also be taken against him. He added that anyone stirring up passion will face stern action.

At the same time, he clarified that the subject of celebrating Tipu Jayanti was not discussed in any of the coordination committee meetings and that this will be taken up in future.