Removing Tipu lesson based on Text book panel's report: BSY

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has directed the state Textbook Committee to furnish a report on a chapter on controversial 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan in the middle school history textbooks, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said onThursday.

"There is no confusion regarding removing the lesson on Tipu Sultan. (Education Minister S) Suresh Kumar told me that a committee has been formed.

Based on the committeereport, a decision will be taken," Yediyurappa told reportershere.

He underlined that there was no change in the BJP government's stand on the issue.

Speaking to reporters in the city, Primary and SecondaryEducation Minister Suresh Kumar said the senior BJP MLAAppachu Ranjan has written to him stating that Kodavas are thevictims of Tipu's atrocities.

Hence, the lesson in thetextbook glorifying Tipu Sultan is not justified and it shouldbe dropped, he added, quoting the MLA.

The matter of Tipu Sultan in the textbook would be referred to the textbook committee of the state.

"I will ask the committee to give a serious thought over the points raised by Ranjan and submit to me a report.