Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Jan 18: "The district unit of JD (S) strongly condemns the controversy created by two main political parties over the issue of the proposed Tipu Sultan University at Srirangapattana, especially for its timing," said MG Hegde, state secretary of JD(S).

Addressing a press meet held at district office of JD(S) on Friday January 18, he said the parties are fighting over the issue mainly for vote banks. "The Congress which was quite for a long time has now taken up this issue ahead of elections, which clearly indicates that it is mainly to attract minority votes. BJP's argument over the matter makes no sense," he said.

"Hence the Dakshina Kannada JD(S) unit strongly condemns this controvery. We are not against the setting up of University in Tipu Sultan’s name, but we do not want parties to take up this issue ahead of elections," he said.

Hegde also condemned the statement made by historian and litterateur M Chidananda Murthy who opposed the proposal to name a university after Tipu Sultan. "As a writer, it is a shame that he used such provocative words in dealing with the issue," he said.

Sadananda Shetty also spoke on the occasion and said the issue is just a political gimmick to grab votes.

On the forthcoming elections, Hegde said preparations are going on in all 38 wards and meetings are being held in every ward.

JD(S) leaders lAzeez Malar, Shashiraj Shetty, J Mohammed, D M Aslam, J Mohammed, Gopal Krishna Attavar among others were present.