MUMBAI/PUNE, Feb 15: A violent clash erupted in Pune on Sunday between BJP and Congress workers over remarks by Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal, who compared Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan.
BJP workers protested outside the Congress Bhavan, accusing Sapkal of hurting Hindu sentiments, while Congress alleged stone pelting by BJP activists.
The scuffle left three Congress workers, two BJP workers, two police personnel, and two journalists with minor injuries. Police confirmed cases are being registered against participants from both sides.
The controversy follows Sapkal’s reference to Tipu Sultan’s anti-British stance as similar to Shivaji’s ideals of ‘Swarajya,’ sparking outrage among BJP and Hindu groups.
Congress leaders defended Sapkal, accusing BJP of hypocrisy and a polarisation agenda, noting that BJP had historically endorsed Tipu Sultan in resolutions, road namings, and official ceremonies in Mumbai and Akola.
They cited past instances where BJP leaders, including Gopal Shetty and former Karnataka CM B.S. Yediyurappa, praised Tipu Sultan.
Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma stated that heavy police deployment prevented further escalation, with cases being registered against prominent BJP leaders, including Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure and city president Dheeraj Ghate, as well as Congress participants.
Both parties staged sit-ins and lodged complaints over the incidents. The clash underscores the polarising historical debate surrounding Tipu Sultan, celebrated for his resistance to the British but criticised for his treatment of non-Muslims.
Congress accused BJP of selectively targeting Tipu Sultan now to create religious divisions ahead of elections, while BJP insists the remarks insulted Hindu icons like Shivaji Maharaj.
The Pune incident highlights growing political and communal tensions as historical narratives are used for contemporary political mobilization. (PTI)
