Sat Feb 14 16:43:02 UTC 2026: ### Maharashtra Congress Chief Sparks Controversy with Shivaji-Tipu Comparison

The Story:

On February 14, 2026, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshwardhan Sapkal ignited a political firestorm by comparing Tipu Sultan with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This comparison, made in response to a controversy surrounding an image of Tipu Sultan in the chamber of the Deputy Mayor of Malegaon, drew immediate and sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Sapkal’s remarks as “deplorable” and accused him of “appeasement”.

Sapkal defended his stance by posting images of both historical figures from the original copy of the Constitution on social media and criticizing the BJP and RSS, accusing them of servitude to the British during the time Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan fought against foreigners.

Key Points:

  • Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal compared Tipu Sultan to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
  • The comparison was triggered by the presence of Tipu Sultan’s image in the Deputy Mayor of Malegaon’s chamber.
  • Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP strongly condemned Sapkal’s remarks, calling them “appeasement”.
  • Sapkal defended his position, referencing their shared depiction in the Constitution and accusing the BJP/RSS of historical servitude to the British.
  • Tipu Sultan is portrayed as both a fighter against the British and criticized for bigotry and atrocities against Hindus.

Critical Analysis:
The related historical context shows Congress is winning elections. This comparison could be an attempt to gain votes from the minority community, especially given Tipu Sultan’s legacy is more complex, praised by some for fighting the British but also criticized for actions against Hindus.

Key Takeaways:

  • The comparison highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding historical figures and their legacies in Indian politics.
  • Political parties continue to use historical narratives to shape public opinion and mobilize support.
  • The controversy underscores the deep ideological divisions between the Congress and the BJP, particularly regarding historical interpretation and identity politics.
  • The Maharashtra political climate is volatile, with historical figures serving as flashpoints for political conflict.
  • The incident reveals the role of social media as a battleground for political narratives.

Impact Analysis:

This controversy has the potential to further polarize political discourse in Maharashtra and beyond. The BJP is likely to use this issue to consolidate its Hindu nationalist base, while the Congress will need to carefully manage the fallout to avoid alienating potential voters. The incident could also influence upcoming elections and shape the broader debate about history, identity, and political representation in India.

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