Bengaluru: A local court of Karnataka has stayed the release of a book titled "Siddu Nijakanasugalu" which has been mired in controversy for likening Karnataka leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah to Tipu Sultan on its cover and also critiquing its appeasement politics. The book contains writings on the alleged misrule during the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government and his "appeasement politics".
It also reportedly highlights certain controversial and communally sensitive issues and incidents linked to the former Chief Minister's tenure. Reacting to it, Siddaramaiah Monday said that the book has been written with the intention to humiliate him ahead of the Assembly polls in Karnataka. He has also termed the book "totally defamatory" hinting at legal action against it.
"I don't know, everything is yellow for those with a jaundiced eye. Who wore the dress like Tipu (18th-century ruler of erstwhile Mysuru Kingdom Tipu Sultan) and held a sword in their hand, it was Yediyurappa and Shobha Karandlaje. Who wrote the foreword for Sheikh Ali's book on Tipu, isn't it duality?" Siddaramaiah asked, alleging BJP role behind the book.
"Purposely to humiliate me ahead of the elections, they are bringing out a book. It is totally defamatory. I will see what is to be done legally," he added. The posters about the book launch event slated later on Monday show copies of books that have a picture of Siddaramaiah wearing an attire resembling Tipu Sultan and holding a sword, on its cover.
