Maharashtra Congress Chief Accuses BJP of Deliberately Distorting Historical Figure Remarks
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal has launched a sharp accusation against the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming they intentionally twisted his comments regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan to inflame communal tensions across the state. Speaking to reporters in Wardha on Sunday, Sapkal asserted this distortion was a calculated move to divert public attention from pressing national and state-level concerns.
Statement Twisted to Engineer Riots, Claims Sapkal
"My statement was deliberately twisted to engineer riots in Maharashtra. The evidence of that manipulation was clearly visible in Pune today," Sapkal declared, referencing the escalating political controversy that has gripped the region. He emphasized that the BJP was attempting to give a Hindu-Muslim colour to his remarks while systematically ignoring substantive issues that demand immediate attention.
The MPCC chief specifically pointed to ongoing international trade negotiations and references to the "Epstein files" that allegedly involve BJP leaders as matters being overshadowed by this manufactured controversy. "Instead of addressing these critical concerns, they are focusing on creating communal divisions," Sapkal added, expressing frustration over what he described as a deliberate diversion tactic.
Clarification on Original Context of Remarks
Sapkal provided crucial clarification about the original context of his comments, explaining they came in response to a question about whether portraits of historical figures, including Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan, should be displayed together in government offices. This question emerged amid rising political utilization of iconic personalities across the state.
"Great historical figures are being exploited for political gains, and hatred is being systematically spread. I was merely answering a question within that specific context," Sapkal elaborated. He stressed that his intention was to highlight how historical icons are being weaponized for contemporary political battles rather than to make any inflammatory statements about the figures themselves.
Accusations of Selective Amplification and Old Formulas
The Congress leader further accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of selectively amplifying his statement for political advantage. "When I previously compared Fadnavis to Ghazni, he claimed he didn't even know who I was. Now suddenly he's vehemently taking my name and amplifying my words," Sapkal noted, pointing out what he sees as political inconsistency.
He characterized the BJP's approach as relying on an "old formula" of introducing caste and religious dimensions into every political discussion. "This is their standard playbook - whenever substantive issues arise, they attempt to shift the conversation to communal lines," Sapkal asserted, suggesting this pattern has become predictable in Maharashtra politics.
Allegations of Violence and Political Hypocrisy
Sapkal made serious allegations regarding political violence in Pune, claiming BJP workers attacked the Congress office, pelted stones, and physically assaulted women party workers and journalists. He stated this occurred in the presence of police personnel who failed to intervene effectively.
"This hooliganism must be strongly condemned. We demand immediate criminal cases and arrests against those who instigated this violence," Sapkal declared, naming specific individuals he believes should face legal consequences for their actions.
In a pointed question highlighting what he called political hypocrisy, Sapkal challenged the BJP's stance on Tipu Sultan. "How does the BJP explain using Tipu Sultan's photographs on their banners during recent municipal elections if they genuinely object to his recognition?" he asked, suggesting the party's position on historical figures changes based on political convenience.
Broader Implications for Maharashtra Politics
The controversy has exposed deeper fault lines in Maharashtra's political landscape, where historical narratives have become battlegrounds for contemporary power struggles. Sapkal's accusations reflect growing tensions between the Congress and BJP as both parties position themselves ahead of crucial political developments in the state.
Political observers note that the manipulation of historical figures for current political advantage has become increasingly common, with parties across the spectrum attempting to claim legacy and cultural authenticity through selective historical references. This incident represents another chapter in that ongoing struggle for narrative control in one of India's most politically significant states.
The Congress party has indicated it plans to raise these issues more broadly, suggesting this confrontation over historical interpretation may escalate further in coming weeks as both sides prepare for potential electoral contests and seek to consolidate their respective voter bases through appeals to historical legacy and cultural identity.
