AP statue row: Want Abdul Kalam not Tipu Sultan statue, says BJP unit chief Somu Verraju
The controversy over Tipu Sultan statue is yet to settle down in Karnataka, but the subject has now sparked a fire in neighboring Andhra Pradesh too. Following MLA Rachamallu Siva Prasad Reddy's move to build Tipu Sultan's statue in Proddatur town of Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh BJP unit is agitated and has warned of severe protest.
FollowKarnataka's 18-century ruler of Mysuru Tipu Sultan's statue has now sparked a debate in neighboring Andhra Pradesh too after MLA Rachamallu Siva Prasad Reddy decided to build the statue in Proddatur town in Kadapa.
As the BJP agitated with the move, Reddy who took history as a specialized subject for his graduation, said he would not associate himself with the project if the BJP proves that Tipu was involved in religious persecution.
The leader had decided on the project and laid the foundation stone ceremony last week following requests from the community members who are in large numbers in Kadapa segments.
Meanwhile, BJP launched a protest under the leadership of general secretary Vishnuvardhana Reddy and were taken into preventive custody on Friday evening.
Andhra Pradesh BJP unit chief Soma Veerraju who also hails from the same district said that Tipu Sultan's statue will hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community and reportedly said that Tipu massacred a number of Indians during his regime and hence the plan to erect his statue should be dropped.
The leader feels that Proddatur town represents brotherhood between both Hindu's and Muslims and the move to erect a statue may lead to tensions and law and order problems.
Pitched for Abdul Kalam statue
Heaping praises on former President Abdul Kalam, Somu Veeraju said that Tipu Sultan is "not greater" than former President APJ Abdul Kalam. He stressed to build a statue for Kalam as a mark of respect for his service towards the nation.
"Instead of Tipu Sultan's statue, Abdul Kalam's statue should be erected. The statue committee and prominent people of the town should rethink and erect the Abdul Kalam statue," the leader was quoted as per a report.
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