Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using his comments about historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan to divert attention from more pressing issues, including the ongoing revelations in the Epstein files. His remarks, which compared the 18th-century Mysuru ruler to the legendary Maratha warrior, sparked controversy and protests, with the BJP demanding an apology.
In a statement, Sapkal defended his earlier comments, asserting that he had already clarified his stance. He accused the BJP of spreading “venom” over his statement and claimed their criticism was politically motivated. “They do not need to teach us about Shivaji Maharaj,” Sapkal said, emphasizing the enduring significance of Shivaji’s legacy in Maharashtra and the Congress party. “His bravery is unparalleled, and it laid the foundation for Hindavi Swarajya, which directly influences our Constitution today.”
Sapkal also criticized Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for publicly condemning his comparison of Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan, pointing out that Fadnavis remained silent when others drew comparisons between him and the controversial Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. “The BJP wants to shift focus away from Maharashtra’s core issues and the Epstein files,” Sapkal said, adding that the party often resorts to playing the “caste and religion” card to deflect attention from more significant matters.
Amid the growing tensions, Sapkal questioned whether the BJP would similarly protest against the controversial remarks made by VD Savarkar and former Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari about Chhatrapati Shivaji. “Are they going to burn their effigies too?” he asked, referencing BJP protests across the state where effigies of Tipu Sultan were set alight.
Controversy Over Tipu Sultan Portrait Remarks
The controversy erupted after Sapkal commented on a debate over the display of Tipu Sultan’s portrait in Malegaon. He argued that Tipu Sultan, like Shivaji Maharaj, was a symbol of bravery and a warrior who fought for India’s independence. Sapkal drew a direct comparison between the two, highlighting that Tipu Sultan’s resistance against British rule was inspired by Shivaji’s ideals of self-rule, or “swarajya.”
“In that sense, Tipu Sultan was a great warrior who displayed immense bravery and was a true son of India,” Sapkal had said. “We should view Tipu Sultan as equivalent to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a symbol of bravery.”
Also read: Maharashtra Congress Chief Sapkal’s Remarks on Tipu Sultan Spark Controversy, Case Filed
BJP’s Strong Reaction and Protests
The BJP, however, has strongly condemned Sapkal’s remarks. Chief Minister Fadnavis called the comparison “condemnable,” demanding an apology from the Congress leader. “Maharashtra will not tolerate such remarks,” he said, urging the Congress party to take action against Sapkal. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala also accused the Congress of resorting to “vote bank politics” and demanded that Sapkal be removed from the party.
Sapkal’s comments not only ignited political outrage but also led to violent protests in Pune. BJP workers clashed with Congress members outside Congress Bhavan, alleging stone pelting during the demonstrations. Two Congress workers were injured, one severely, and several vehicles were damaged in the violence.
An FIR has been filed against Sapkal at Parvati police station under sections related to promoting enmity, defamation, and provoking violence, based on a complaint from BJP’s Pune city unit president.