BJP vs Congress: The Controversy Over Mysore's Royal Legacy

In a recent exchange of allegations, BJP Karnataka president B Y Vijayendra has challenged the statements of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa, accusing them of distorting historical facts regarding the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam. Vijayendra criticized the recent claims crediting Tipu Sultan for laying the dam's foundation, arguing it undermines the legacy of the Mysore royal family, particularly Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.

Highlighting the role of the royal family and other notable figures, such as Sir M Visvesvaraya, Vijayendra outlined the struggle and sacrifice associated with the construction of the KRS dam. Conceived in 1908 and completed by 1932, the project was a significant achievement under British rule, funded partly by the Mysore royal family's personal contributions.

Vijayendra argued that attributing the dam's foundation to Tipu Sultan, who died in 1799, misrepresents historical timelines and suggested it is part of a vote-bank political maneuver. Opposition leader R Ashoka echoed similar concerns, criticizing alleged plans to rename the dam to Tipu Sultan Sagar, further inflaming political tensions in Karnataka.