No end to dispute over renaming Haj Bhavan in Bengaluru
What's the story
The row over plans to rename 'Haj Bhavan' in Bengaluru after Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of the Mysore kingdom, shows no signs of ending with BJP leader KG Bopaiah saying his party wanted it renamed after late President APJ Abdul Kalam.
Former Speaker Bopaiah fears that communal clashes might break out across Karnataka if the state government renames Haj Bhavan after Tipu Sultan.
Controversy
Haj Bhavan is for entire Muslim community, says BJP
Bopaiah was replying to a query on Minorities Welfare, Haj, and Wakf Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan's June 22 statement that he would discuss with the Chief Minister the demand for the renaming of Haj Bhavan to "Hazrat Tipu Sultan Haj Ghar".
BJP is opposed to the plan, saying it was a building for the entire Muslim community and not just for Tipu's followers.
Warning
If Haj-Bhavan renamed after Tipu, party would stage 'strong-protest': BJP
Senior BJP leader and former Deputy CM, R Ashoka, said Haj Bhavan was among the development projects of Yeddyurappa government and that Congress was now trying to "hijack" it by naming it after Tipu.
BJP MP Shobha Karnadlaje had said at no cost should it be named after Tipu and if it was done, her party would stage "a strong protest" across Karnataka.