Harshwardhan Sapkal Equates Tipu Sultan with Shivaji Maharaj, Provoking Criticism from CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has sparked controversy by equating Tipu Sultan with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, leading to criticism from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a police complaint. The remarks highlight the polarising views on Tipu Sultan's legacy.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has sparked a debate by equating Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan, an 18th-century ruler of Mysuru. This comparison drew criticism from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. A BJP member in Pune filed a police complaint against Sapkal, seeking charges under sections related to inciting riots and promoting enmity among different groups based on religion, race, language, or caste.

Tipu Sultan remains a divisive historical figure. Some admire his bravery against the British, while others criticise his religious intolerance and treatment of non-Muslims. Sapkal's comments came during a discussion about a portrait of Tipu Sultan in the office of Malegaon Municipal Corporation's deputy mayor, which faced opposition from Shiv Sena corporators and Hindu groups.

Political Reactions and Statements

Fadnavis condemned Sapkal's comparison, stating it was shameful and unacceptable in Maharashtra. He demanded an apology from Sapkal and urged the Congress to address the issue. "Maharashtra will not tolerate this," Fadnavis said, urging Congress allies to clarify their stance on Sapkal's remarks.

Sapkal defended his statement by highlighting Tipu Sultan's fight against the British, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's ideals. In a post on X, he stated that while Shivaji Maharaj's bravery is unmatched, Tipu Sultan was also valiant and loved Swarajya. Sapkal criticised those aligned with Sangh-BJP ideologies as being loyal to the British during Tipu Sultan's battles.

Congress Leaders Respond

Senior Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe accused the BJP of creating controversy over Sapkal's use of "equivalent" regarding Tipu Sultan. Londhe claimed this was a tactic to stir communal tensions and distract from pressing issues like unemployment, rising prices, farmer suicides, and increasing electricity tariffs.

Londhe further criticised the BJP for trying to divert public attention from governance-related problems by fuelling religious polarisation. He emphasised that the Congress strongly condemns such attempts by the BJP leadership.

Sapkal also shared an image showing both Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan on the original copy of the Constitution. He accused BJP-RSS members and former governor Bhagatsingh Koshyari of disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj in the past.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between political parties in Maharashtra over historical figures' legacies. The debate underscores differing perspectives on history and its impact on contemporary politics.

With inputs from PTI