NDTV Public Opinion: Will Tipu Sultan Controversy Impact Karnataka Votes?

NDTV's new opinion poll in partnership with Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) has found that only one in three voters are aware of the matter and only 29 per cent of those who know, feel raising the issue was justified.

The political battle over the death of Tipu Sultan -- the 17th Century ruler of Mysore -- has not really filtered down to the common man in Karnataka. NDTV's new opinion poll in partnership with Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) has found that only one in three voters are aware of the matter and only 29 per cent of those who know, feel raising the issue was justified.

The BJP in Karnataka had raised pitch over Tipu Sultan since the birth anniversary of the former Mysore ruler was marked by the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah nearly eight years ago.

Recently, the party juxtaposed its icon VD Savarkar against Tipu Sultan in a battle of perception and provocative comments were made from both sides of the political divide.

In March, the BJP made an effort to show support for the politically powerful Vokkaliga community by upholding claims that it was not the British and Maratha army, but two Vokkaliga leaders who had killed Tipu Sultan. Historians, though, have scoffed at the idea.