Pratap Simha, the Member of Parliament representing Mysore-Kodagu for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, voiced his opposition on Saturday to the Congress's suggestion of renaming the Mysore airport after Tipu Sultan, an 18th-century ruler. Simha criticized the proposal, asserting that the official process to rename the airport after Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, the 20th-century king of Mysore, is already in its advanced stages.
The controversy arose when Congress MLA Prasad Abbayya proposed renaming the Mysore airport to "Tipu Sultan Airport."
In response, Pratap Simha characterized the proposal as absurd and highlighted that the renaming of the airport in honor of Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar had already received approval.
In a detailed statement, Pratap Simha disclosed that he had earlier suggested the name "Sri Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar Airport" for the Mysore airport in May 2022. He noted that Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai allocated Rs 35 crore for the expansion of the airport's runway following his request, and the Cabinet had endorsed the nomination.
According to Simha, the renaming process is currently in its final stages.
"The Cabinet also endorsed this nomination. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai subsequently communicated to the Centre on August 1, 2022, putting forth the recommendation, and the renaming process is in its final stages," stated the BJP MP.
He adamantly declared that he would not allow the Mysore airport to be named after Tipu Sultan under any circumstances. Simha expressed unwavering support for the sentiments of the people of Mysore-Kodagu, who overwhelmingly desire the airport to be named after Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, pledging to be their steadfast advocate.
"I stand as their voice, unswervingly maintaining my stance," he added.
