Maharashtra Congress chief Sapkal booked for comparing Tipu Sultan to Shivaji. (Photo: X)
A political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after Congress state president Harshwardhan Sapkal was booked for allegedly hurting religious sentiments over his remarks comparing Tipu Sultan to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Sapkal has, however, claimed that his statement was “twisted” to give it a communal colour.
Pune police registered a case against Sapkal following a complaint by city BJP chief Dhiraj Ghate, who alleged that the Congress leader’s remarks were provocative and hurt Hindu sentiments.
The FIR has been filed under sections 192, 196(1), 196(2), 352 and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police officials said further investigation is underway.
The complaint stated that comparing Shivaji Maharaj revered by many as a deity with Tipu Sultan had the potential to disturb communal harmony.
The controversy escalated after BJP leaders in Ahilyanagar allegedly announced a ₹10 lakh reward for anyone who would “cut off” Sapkal’s tongue over his remarks.
The announcement was made during a protest in front of a Shivaji memorial, where party workers staged a ‘shoe protest’ and raised slogans against the Congress leader. The development has further intensified political tensions in the region.
Sapkal’s remarks were made while responding to a media query about whether offices should display photographs of historical figures, including Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan, side by side.
He said that the concept of swarajya introduced by Shivaji Maharaj later inspired Tipu Sultan in his fight against British colonial rule.
“In that sense, Tipu Sultan was a great warrior who displayed immense bravery and was a true son of India… As a symbol of bravery, we should view Tipu Sultan as equivalent to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Sapkal said.
The controversy also stems from a portrait of Tipu Sultan displayed in the office of Malegaon municipal corporation’s deputy mayor, which has been opposed by the Shiv Sena and other groups.
Responding to the FIR and protests, Sapkal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of distorting his remarks to create a Hindu-Muslim divide.
“My statement was twisted to manufacture a controversy. The attempt is to give it a communal angle and engineer unrest,” he said.
Without directly naming him, Sapkal also targeted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing the BJP of bringing caste and religion into every issue.
Reiterating the party’s position, Sapkal said Shivaji Maharaj remains the “deity, pride and identity” of Maharashtra and that the BJP does not need to lecture the Congress on Hindavi Swarajya.
He also questioned the BJP’s stance on Tipu Sultan, alleging that the party had previously used the 18th-century ruler’s image during municipal elections and had formed alliances with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in some local bodies.
Sapkal further condemned the alleged stone-pelting at the Congress office in Pune and demanded strict action against those responsible.
The BJP has not issued a detailed response so far. Meanwhile, the row over the Tipu Sultan–Shivaji comparison has triggered sharp political reactions, once again placing historical figures at the centre of Maharashtra’s contemporary political battle.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience covering Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes that every voice matters, and journalism has a vital role to play in amplifying those voices. Sofia is committed to creating impact and shedding light on stories that truly matter. Beyond her work in the newsroom, she is also a music enthusiast who enjoys singing.
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