Sulthan Bathery town in Kerala's Wayanad district holds historical significance as it is associated with the erstwhile Mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan.
Recently, Kerala BJP chief K Surendran, who is contesting from Wayanad, stirred controversy by expressing his intention to change the name of Sulthan Bathery town to Ganapathy Vattam if elected. Surendran argued that Tipu Sultan, historically linked to the town, converted lakhs of Hindus in Kerala, particularly in Wayanad.
Surendran's remarks ignited a heated debate, with the Left and Congress criticizing his stance. Indian Union Muslim League general secretary PK Kunhalikutty dismissed the possibility of such a name change, asserting that it would not occur in Kerala. Congress leader T Siddique viewed Surendran's statement as a mere attempt to attract attention.
Sulthan Bathery, originally known as Ganapathi Vattom, acquired its current name after Tipu Sultan invaded the Malabar region in 1700. During this invasion, Tipu Sultan stored his ammunition and artillery in the town, leading to it being referred to as 'Sultan's Battery' in British records. Additionally, Tipu Sultan constructed a fort in the area, which now lies in ruins.
The controversy surrounding Surendran's proposal underscores the complexities of historical legacies and their impact on contemporary politics in Kerala.
