Political Turmoil as Tipu Sultan Remarks Ignite Controversy

A conflict erupted in Pune following Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal's statement comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan. BJP workers confronted Congress activists, leading to injuries and stone-pelting. The Congress accuses the BJP of double standards and fostering a polarisation agenda around the historical figure of Tipu Sultan.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Mumbai/Pune | Updated: 15-02-2026 17:49 IST | Created: 15-02-2026 17:49 IST
Political Turmoil as Tipu Sultan Remarks Ignite Controversy
Harshwardhan Sapkal
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  • India

In Pune, a political storm brewed over remarks by Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal, equating Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan. The statement triggered protests from BJP workers, culminating in a clash with Congress activists outside Congress Bhavan.

The confrontation, marked by stone-pelting, left several injured, including party workers and journalists, prompting police intervention. Cases are being filed against individuals from both political factions.

The Congress accused the BJP of hypocrisy, citing past endorsements of Tipu Sultan by the saffron party. They allege the BJP is using the controversy to polarize voters, with the dispute escalating tension in the region.

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