BJP and Congress Workers Clash in Pune Over Controversial Shivaji-Tipu Remarks, Injuries Reported

Tensions escalated in Pune as BJP and Congress workers clashed during protests over remarks linking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Tipu Sultan. Several individuals sustained injuries, prompting police action against both parties.

In Pune, a clash erupted between BJP and Congress workers over remarks made by Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal. Sapkal's comments equated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan, sparking protests from BJP members. The confrontation led to allegations of stone pelting by the Congress, with both parties accusing each other of violence during the protest on Sunday.

Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma reported that minor injuries were sustained by three Congress workers, two BJP workers, two police officers, and two journalists. The protest took place near the Congress Bhavan, where both parties engaged in sloganeering. According to Sharma, participants from both sides climbed walls and threw stones at each other.

BJP and Congress File Complaints

A case was filed against BJP and Congress workers at Shivajinagar police station later that evening. Pune city Congress chief Arvind Shinde stated that the party had lodged a written complaint against BJP members. Shinde demanded action against Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, BJP City president Dheeraj Ghate, Dushyant Mohol, and other BJP workers.

BJP workers gathered outside the Congress Bhavan to denounce Sapkal's remarks, which have caused controversy in Maharashtra. The situation escalated after a portrait of Tipu Sultan was displayed in the office of Malegaon Municipal Corporation deputy mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed. This display was opposed by Shiv Sena corporators and Hindu groups.

Congress Accuses BJP of Double Standards

Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of hypocrisy and pursuing a polarisation agenda following criticism of Sapkal's remarks. Sawant highlighted instances where BJP leaders had previously supported references to Tipu Sultan in public spaces. He cited resolutions in Akola and Mumbai civic bodies as evidence of the BJP's changing stance.

Sawant claimed that the BJP's current opposition to Tipu Sultan is politically motivated. He pointed out that in 2012, the party proposed naming a hall in Akola after Tipu Sultan. In 2013, BJP corporators backed naming a road in Mumbai as Shaheed Tipu Sultan Marg. Sawant also mentioned former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa's visit to Tipu Sultan's tomb.

Protests Lead to Injuries

BJP workers staged a protest in Pune against Sapkal's comments. The Congress alleged that two of its members were injured when BJP activists threw stones outside the Congress Bhavan. Mohan Joshi, vice-president of Maharashtra Congress, stated that many BJP workers, including Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, gathered for the protest.

During the demonstration, stones were thrown at Congress workers, resulting in injuries to two individuals. Joshi mentioned that they are holding a sit-in protest at Shivajinagar police station to demand action against those responsible for the violence.

Tipu Sultan: A Divisive Historical Figure

Tipu Sultan remains a contentious historical figure. Some admire his bravery against the British, while others criticise his religious intolerance towards non-Muslims. Sawant argued that the BJP previously praised Tipu Sultan but now portrays him negatively for political gain. He accused the ruling party of using religious politics to divide voters.

Sawant further accused the BJP of double standards by citing past instances where party leaders praised or associated with Tipu Sultan. He noted that in 2001, a road in Andheri West was named after Tipu Sultan with unanimous support from BJP members.

The ongoing controversy highlights the political tensions surrounding historical figures like Tipu Sultan in India. As both parties continue to exchange accusations, it remains to be seen how this issue will unfold in Maharashtra's political landscape.

With inputs from PTI