BJP, Congress Workers Clash in Pune Over Shivaji - Tipu Sultan Comparison

A political controversy in Maharashtra intensified on Sunday after protests and clashes erupted in Pune over remarks by state Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal , who compared Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan . The confrontation between BJP and Congress workers outside the Congress Bhavan turned tense, with stone pelting reported and several people sustaining injuries before police intervened to restore order.

The row traces its origins to Malegaon in Nashik district, where a portrait of Tipu Sultan installed in the office of Deputy Mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed sparked objections from Shiv Sena corporators and Hindu organisations. Authorities later removed the portrait amid rising tensions. Responding to the controversy, Sapkal praised Shivaji Maharaj’s vision of Swarajya and cited Tipu Sultan’s resistance against British rule , suggesting both reflected similar ideals of anti-colonial struggle. Critics interpreted the remark as equating the two figures, triggering outrage and legal complaints.

Following a complaint by BJP leaders, an FIR was registered against Sapkal for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and disturbing communal harmony . BJP workers staged demonstrations condemning the remarks, while Congress supporters gathered in his defence. During the protest in Pune, both sides accused each other of instigating violence. Congress leaders claimed their workers were injured in stone pelting and staged a sit-in protest demanding action, while police officials said timely intervention prevented further escalation.

The dispute quickly escalated into a broader political battle . BJP leaders argued that comparing Shivaji Maharaj — a revered symbol of Marathi pride , resistance, and self-rule — with Tipu Sultan insulted public sentiment. The Congress countered by accusing the BJP of pursuing a polarisation agenda and cited past instances in which BJP leaders supported naming public spaces after Tipu Sultan or acknowledged his historical legacy.

At the heart of the controversy lies the enduring divide over Tipu Sultan’s legacy. Supporters regard him as a fierce opponent of British expansion and a modernising ruler, while critics point to allegations of religious persecution and forced conversions during his reign. In contrast, Shivaji Maharaj commands near-universal reverence in Maharashtra as the founder of the Maratha state and an enduring symbol of regional identity and sovereignty .

The episode highlights how historical memory and symbolism remain politically potent in Maharashtra. Analysts note that such controversies often reflect deeper identity politics , competing historical narratives, and efforts by political parties to mobilise support along cultural and regional lines.