In Rahul Gandhi's Constituency Wayanad, A Name Change Demand Over Tipu Sultan

"That place was known as Ganapathivattom. People are aware of this. Congress and the LDF are allied with Tipu Sultan, who converted lakhs of people in Kerala, especially in Wayanad and Malabar," Mr Surendran alleged.

The BJP said today that the name of Sulthan Bathery town, associated with Tipu Sultan in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, should be changed, as the place was originally known as Ganapathivattom before the Mysore ruler's invasion of the Malabar region of Kerala two centuries ago.

The issue was raised by the BJP state president, K Surendran, who is contesting against the sitting MP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, as well as CPI leader and ruling LDF candidate Annie Raja in the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat.

"Ganapathivattom is the true name of Sulthan Bathery. Its name change is necessary," Mr Surendran told reporters in Thamarassery.