Chitradurga (DHNS): Congress leader and Chairman of the Coordination Committee of the coalition government Siddaramaiah on Saturday questioned BJP leaders how can Tipu Sultan, who contributed funds for the renovation of Sringeri Mutt and Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangapatna, be fanatic.

Speaking to reporters, he said he will not react to statements of people who do not study history and do not have knowledge. “The BJP is engaged in dividing the society saying Sab Ka Vikas. No one in the BJP has humanity,” he said.

Siddaramaiah said he started the birth anniversary celebrations of 13 great persons, including Sri Krishna, Mahavir, Kempegowda and Tipu Sultan.

“I had also provided Rs 280 crore for Mahamastakabhisheka in Shravanabelagola. One should look at the society with humanity and not engage in politics,” he said.

He said the notion that JD(S) has maintained distance from Tipu Jayanti is false. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy is indisposed. Hence, he has not attended the programme. In Hassan, Tipu Jayanti has been observed under the leadership of PWD Minister H D Revanna, he added.

Siddaramaiah said the results of the recent byelections has increased the strength of Congress.

He said the Congress has entered into an alliance with other parties to keep communal forces away from power.

He said he will not contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.

Meanwhile, four MLAs of Congress - Anand Singh of Vijayanagara, B Nagendra of Ballari Rural, P T Parameshwar Naika of Huvina Hadagali and J N Ganesh of Kampli - stayed away from Tipu Jayanti programme in Ballari district. 

In Vijayapura, Minister Shivanand Patil did not participate in the programme.