Tipu Sultan Memorial Row: HC Mahadevappa Slams BJP, JD(S) for Distorting History and Politicizing Legacy
Senior Congress leader urges parties to stop “dishonourable politics” over KRS plaque and respect contributions of historical figures
Mysuru, August 7: In a sharp rebuttal to recent comments by BJP and JD(S) leaders on the historical plaque at the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam, Karnataka’s former Minister for Public Works, Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, has accused the parties of indulging in “dishonourable politics” and attempting to twist historical facts for political gains.
His statement comes amid a heated controversy over the inscription at KRS Dam, which references Tipu Sultan’s early vision of constructing a dam across the Cauvery River — a vision later realized by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.
“BJP, JD(S) Responding in Haste Without Historical Understanding”
Criticizing both BJP and JD(S) for their response to the plaque, Mahadevappa remarked,
“It is truly confusing to witness how hastily these parties are reacting to a matter of historical interpretation. One wonders what has happened to their sense of judgment.”
He added that the plaque acknowledging Tipu Sultan’s ideas was not installed by the Congress government, as alleged, but dates back to the Wadiyar era itself.
“The BJP’s lack of awareness about this is laughable,” he said.
“Nalwadi Wadiyar and BJP Ideology are Poles Apart”
Mahadevappa strongly defended Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s legacy, saying he was a monarch devoted to social justice and people-centric development, values fundamentally at odds with the BJP’s stance.
“There can never be a comparison between Nalwadi Wadiyar and the BJP, which has consistently opposed reservation and disregarded Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision,” he noted.
Taking aim at sitting and former Mysuru MPs from the BJP, he said,
“Before making comments about Nalwadi Wadiyar, they should learn to read and understand history.”
“A Vision Is Not the Same as Execution — BJP Must Learn the Difference”
Highlighting the conceptual difference between having a vision and implementing it, Mahadevappa criticized the BJP and JD(S) for politicizing the plaque.
“There is a clear distinction between someone having a thought and someone who executed the project. BJP and JD(S) are deliberately distorting this fact for political mileage,” he asserted.
He said such actions reflect the parties’ tendency to engage in low-level politics devoid of dignity.
“Nalwadi Wadiyar Had Deep Respect for People-Oriented Leaders like Tipu”
Mahadevappa emphasized that Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar himself held admiration and respect for people’s rulers, including Tipu Sultan.
“The plaque has stood at the site since the time of the Wadiyars because of this respect,” he stated.
He described Nalwadi Wadiyar as a progressive ruler who worked tirelessly for social justice without any discrimination based on caste or religion.
“Media Should Also Behave Responsibly”
Expressing concern over sensationalism, Mahadevappa called on the media to act responsibly.
“It is unfortunate that even intellectuals are evaluating achievements through the lens of caste and religion. Media outlets rushing to create headlines without understanding the meaning of the words are equally responsible,” he said.
Conclusion
Dr. Mahadevappa’s statement not only defends the historical legacies of Tipu Sultan and Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar but also seeks to remind political parties and the media of their duty to uphold historical accuracy and integrity. He urged all stakeholders to refrain from twisting facts for political gain and to respect the contributions of visionary leaders who served all sections of society.
✅ Key QUOTES of Minister HC Mahadevappa
Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, Senior Congress Leader:
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🗣️ “It is truly confusing to see BJP and JD(S) respond so hastily to historical facts — one wonders what has happened to their sense of judgment.”
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🗣️ “The plaque referring to Tipu Sultan’s idea was installed during the Wadiyar era, not by the Congress. BJP’s ignorance of this is laughable.”
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🗣️ “There can never be a comparison between Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s progressive vision and the BJP’s regressive policies.”
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🗣️ “Before commenting on Nalwadi Wadiyar, BJP leaders from Mysuru should first read and understand history.”
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🗣️ “Having a vision and actually implementing a project are two very different things — something BJP and JD(S) clearly fail to grasp.”
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🗣️ “Nalwadi Wadiyar had the highest regard for people-centric rulers like Tipu Sultan, and that is why the plaque has existed there for decades.”
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🗣️ “Even media houses must act responsibly and stop sensationalizing issues without understanding the historical context.”
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🗣️ “It is disappointing that even educated voices are evaluating leaders through the lens of caste and religion.”
✅ Q&As
Q1. Why did Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa issue a strong statement?
A: He was responding to BJP and JD(S) leaders criticizing a historical plaque at the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam that mentions Tipu Sultan’s vision for the project. Mahadevappa accused them of twisting historical facts and engaging in petty politics.
Q2. What is the controversy regarding the KRS plaque?
A: The plaque mentions that Tipu Sultan had conceptualized a dam across the Cauvery River — an idea later realized by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. BJP leaders alleged that this plaque was installed by the Congress, which Mahadevappa refuted.
Q3. What did Mahadevappa say about BJP’s understanding of history?
A: He said their response showed a “lack of awareness and historical understanding,” adding that the plaque was from the Wadiyar era, not a recent addition.
Q4. How did Mahadevappa compare Nalwadi Wadiyar with the BJP?
A: He asserted that there can be no comparison between Wadiyar’s socially inclusive and development-oriented governance and the BJP’s policies, which he described as anti-reservation and against the spirit of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Q5. What message did he convey to media and intellectuals?
A: Mahadevappa urged media houses and public intellectuals to act responsibly, warning against the dangers of evaluating historical figures based on caste, religion, or political agenda.
