Congress Posts Old Kovind Video to Counter BJP in Tipu Sultan-Shivaji Maharaj Controversy
In a sharp political retort, the Congress party on Monday posted an old video of former President Ramnath Kovind praising Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century Mysuru ruler, to counter the BJP's targeting after state chief Harshwardhan Sapkal's remarks equating Tipu Sultan with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Maharashtra Congress highlighted that Kovind delivered this speech in the Karnataka assembly when a BJP-led government was in power, accusing the BJP of exploiting Sapkal's comments for political gains.
Political Controversy Erupts Over Historical Comparisons
A political firestorm ignited after Sapkal, during a media interaction on Saturday, suggested that historic figures like Tipu Sultan and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should be viewed in the same league. This statement drew strong criticism from the BJP, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who condemned the comparison as disrespectful to Shivaji Maharaj's legacy. The controversy escalated into violence across Maharashtra, including in Pune, where eight people were injured in stone-pelting during protests by the BJP and Patit Pawan Sanghatana in front of the Congress Bhavan on Sunday.
Sapkal Clarifies Statement, Accuses BJP of Double Standards
Responding to the backlash, Sapkal asserted that his statement was twisted by the BJP for political benefits. He clarified, "I said that there cannot be anyone like Shivaji Maharaj, and Tipu Sultan took inspiration from him. In fact, the BJP has double standards on Tipu Sultan. During the recently concluded civic polls, a photo of Tipu Sultan was on the banners of the BJP's campaign rallies in some areas. If the descendants of Tipu Sultan join the BJP, they will also get some posts in the party." This defense aimed to shift focus onto alleged inconsistencies in the BJP's stance.
Congress and BJP Exchange Accusations Over Historical Distortion
All-India Congress Committee secretary Sachin Sawant further intensified the debate by claiming that BJP elected representatives from the Akola Municipal Corporation had initiated a proposal to name the standing committee's office after Tipu Sultan. In response, the BJP hit back, with state chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye stating, "It is the Congress's dirty tradition to distort history for its political gains. There cannot be any comparison between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan. But Sapkal wants to equate Tipu Sultan with Shivaji Maharaj. It shows the politics of appeasement by Congress which we will continue to expose." Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule of the BJP had earlier urged Rahul Gandhi to seek an explanation from Sapkal, underscoring the deepening political rift.
