One person has died in Madikeri, Karnataka, when police lathi-charged protesters who were rallying against the state government's decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti on November 10 to commemorate the Mysore ruler's 165th birth anniversary. Extra forces have been rushed to the spot.


The person is believed to be a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activist, who was found murdered in the area, only made the protests more violent. In Madikeri protestors pelted stones and were lathicharged by the police. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called the death a minor incident.


An ideological war in underway in Karnataka, over the celebration of Tipu's birthday.


While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah feels that Tipu was a 'secular' ruler, Hindu-right organisations in the state and Catholics feel otherwise.


They cite historical accounts, which say that Tipu was a tyrant who killed, or converted by force thousands of non-Muslims, and also destroyed Churches and temples.The BJP is against the celebration.