Mumbai There has been a political storm in Maharashtra after Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal described Mysore’s 18th century ruler Tipu Sultan as the “equivalent” of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. After this statement, a case was registered against him in Pune. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also termed this comment as condemnable and said that the Congress leader should be ashamed of his statement.
beginning of controversy
Tipu Sultan’s name came into limelight in Maharashtra when Malegaon Deputy Mayor Nihal Ahmed had his photograph installed in his office. Local Hindu organizations and Shiv Sena councilors protested against this picture. When asked for reaction by the media, Harshvardhan Sapkal said that Tipu Sultan set an example of Swaraj and bravery on the lines of the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by fighting against the British.
Sapkal said in his statement, “Tipu Sultan emerged as a warrior and son of the soil of India. He never adopted poisonous ideologies. We should consider Tipu Sultan as an icon of bravery at par with Shivaji Maharaj.”
BJP’s reaction
After this statement of Sapkal, political controversy erupted in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Maharashtra will not tolerate this. Sapkal should apologize for comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan. Congress should take cognizance of the matter and allies should clarify their stand.”
morning cleaning
As the controversy escalated, Harshvardhan Sapkal gave clarification through social media post. He wrote that the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is incomparable, while Tipu Sultan was also brave and a lover of Swaraj. He said, “Tipu Sultan fought against the British considering Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as his ideal.”
Sapkal targeted BJP and other Hindutva organizations and said that when Tipu Sultan was fighting foreign rulers, people who adopted the ideology of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and BJP were working in favor of the British.
He further said, “Therefore, Devendra Fadnavis should not pretend to teach history. The people of Maharashtra have not forgotten what the BJP-RSS and other leaders spoke against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and how they insulted him.” Sapkal said that the photographs of both Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan are present on the original copy of the Constitution.
reality of history
Tipu Sultan is considered a controversial figure in history. One section praises his bravery against the British, while the other criticizes him for his alleged mistreatment of Hindus in South India. In contrast, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is widely admired for his military ability, philanthropy and administrative skills.