Maharashtra erupts: Congress leader's Tipu Sultan remark sparks Shivaji-Shivbhakt ire

Pune (The Uttam Hindu): A new political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra regarding Tipu Sultan, the 18th century ruler of Mysore. The controversy began after Maharashtra Congress state president Harshvardhan Sapkal compared Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's struggle and independence to Tipu Sultan. Following this controversial statement, Pune BJP city president Dheeraj Ghate filed a police complaint against Sapkal. The controversy, which began with the display of Tipu Sultan's portrait in the office of the Deputy Mayor of Malegaon Municipal Corporation, has now escalated into a major political controversy.

Violent protests outside Congress Bhawan, posters burnt

Political activity has intensified in Pune in protest against the comparison of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan. Hindutva and various social organizations have aggressively taken to the streets against the statement of Congress state president Harshvardhan Sapkal. Workers of these organizations staged a strong protest in front of the Congress Bhavan in Pune. During this, angry protesters sprayed black paint on the pictures of Harshvardhan Sapkal and Tipu Sultan and also burned their posters and banners. This violent protest, which took place after a case was registered at the Parvati police station in Pune, has made it clear that the anger of the organizations is continuously increasing.

How did this whole controversy start?

The controversy has its roots in Malegaon, where Sheikh Nasreen Khalid of the Islam Party was elected mayor. When a portrait of Tipu Sultan was placed in the office of Deputy Mayor Nihal Ahmed, a wave of political rhetoric erupted across the state. Several senior leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, strongly objected to the move and warned the Malegaon mayor. Meanwhile, Congress state president Harsh Vardhan Sapkal added fuel to the fire by arguing that Tipu Sultan had instilled the spirit of bravery and freedom in the country just as Shivaji Maharaj had instilled in the nation. Sapkal argued that Tipu Sultan should therefore be considered equal to Shivaji Maharaj.

BJP and Deputy Mayor face to face over removal of photo

Sapkal's statement has enraged people. BJP leader Acharya Tushar Bhosale has warned that if Tipu Sultan's portrait isn't removed within 24 hours, the Hindu community will launch a movement to remove it. Bhosale argues that the Municipal Corporation is a public administrative institution, and therefore, portraits of controversial figures should not be displayed there, potentially hurting anyone's sentiments. Meanwhile, Malegaon Deputy Mayor Nihal Ahmed is adamant. He states that Tipu Sultan's portrait will remain in his office, and he will decide for himself whose portrait should be displayed or removed.

Demand for FIR against Harshvardhan Sapkal

The entire matter of comparing Shivaji Maharaj to Tipu Sultan has now reached the police station. An official complaint has been filed against Sapkal by a BJP official in Pune. The complaint demands that a strict FIR be registered against the Congress leader under Section 192 of the Indian Penal Code (Indian Penal Code), which deals with intentional provocation with intent to cause riot, and Section 196, which deals with promoting enmity and hatred between different groups on grounds of religion, caste, language, or race.