Go to Pakitan, BJP leader tells Maharashtra minister for 'renaming' sports complex after Tipu

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Amid protests by BJP and Bajrang Dal over the move to "rename" a refurbished sports complex in Mumbai after 18th Century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan, Maharashtra Tourism and Environment Minister Aditya Thackeray has said that name of the place has not been finalised yet.

He said that finalising the official names of projects is under the purview of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and that the mayor has said that the official name for the park has not been finalised yet.

"Finalising the official names of projects comes under the purview of BMC and the mayor has said that the official name of the park has not been finalised yet. BMC has not got any such proposal on the name yet," he said.

Mumbai Police earlier in the day took into custody Bajrang Dal workers protesting against the naming of the sports complex after Tipu Sultan. Many police personnel were deployed at the protest site to control the situation.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Raj Purohit said that Aslam Sheikh, who is the guardian minister of Mumbai, must go to Pakistan if he wants anything in the name of Tipu Sultan.

He also added that it has become imperative to hit the roads to "save Hindutva". Speaking to ANI, Purohit said, "Aslam Sheikh must go to Pakistan if he wants anything on Tipu Sultan's name. Now, we have to hit the roads to save Hindutva." "Police baton-charged our leaders and detained them. Is this your Hindutva?" he questioned Shiv Sena, which is a part of the MVA government.

The BJP alleged that Sheikh is trying to divide Hindus and Muslims for the BMC elections that are around the corner. "As the BMC election is nearing, Aslam Sheikh is trying to divide Hindu and Muslim and wants to gain Muslim votes. That is why he is doing so," he alleged.

"Tipu Sultan was the only warrior before Independence who lost his life fighting with the British. Today's programme is for the inauguration of projects, why is BJP focussing on the name rather than talking about the development for people," Shaikh told media persons in Mumbai.

"There was no conflict on the name of Tipu Sultan in last 70 years, today BJP has sent its goons to defame the country and not let the country develop by creating ruckus over naming projects," Mumbai Guadian Minister stated.

(ANI)