Headline: War of Words Erupts Between BJP and Congress in Karnataka Over Tipu Sultan Reference
A verbal skirmish unfolded between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress in Karnataka, ignited by the comments of ruling party MLC BK Hariprasad. He criticized the saffron party, labeling those dubbing his party as the “Tipu Sultan party” as “British bootlickers.”
Hariprasad’s statement prompted a swift response from the BJP, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi asserting that Hariprasad had been treated “worse than a boot” within his party.
Addressing the media in Hubballi, Hariprasad claimed that during the freedom movement, Congress leaders were dedicated to the cause, while members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were subservient to the British. He challenged the BJP to name a person from their party who sacrificed for the country, accusing them of being British bootlickers.
In retaliation, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi contended that Hariprasad indirectly criticized the treatment he received from his party, emphasizing that the Congress was treating him worse than a boot.
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje also rebuked Hariprasad, questioning his knowledge of the British Raj and asserting that the real bootlickers could be identified by delving into history.
The controversy originated when BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of appeasing a particular community and dubbing him the “second version of Tipu Sultan” in the context of the hijab ban in government-run universities and schools.
