Political Storm Erupts in Malegaon Over Tipu Sultan Portrait Display
A significant political controversy erupted in Malegaon, Maharashtra, after a portrait of Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan was installed in the office of the newly-elected deputy mayor on Friday. The portrait was subsequently removed by the civic administration on Saturday following protests and objections from local political figures.
War of Words Between Congress and BJP Leaders
State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis engaged in a sharp exchange of words on Saturday regarding the portrait issue. Sapkal drew comparisons between Tipu Sultan and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, asserting that Tipu Sultan belonged "to the same league of valour" as the legendary Maratha warrior.
Fadnavis strongly condemned this comparison, labeling it as "unacceptable" and stating that Congress politicians should be "ashamed" for equating the two historical figures. He emphasized that Maharashtra would not tolerate such comparisons, particularly referencing Tipu Sultan's controversial historical legacy regarding Hindu communities.
Municipal Administration Takes Action
The controversy began when Shiv Sena corporators in Malegaon objected to the display of Tipu Sultan's portrait in the office of Deputy Mayor Shaan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed. A delegation met with Malegaon Municipal Commissioner Ravindra Jadhav, demanding immediate removal of the portrait and warning of potential agitation if the administration failed to act.
The Malegaon Municipal Corporation officials confirmed they examined the state government's official protocol list before taking action. Commissioner Jadhav stated, "Tipu Sultan's name is not included in the protocol list. Therefore, the portrait was removed from the deputy mayor's office." The protocol list outlines which leaders' anniversaries are observed and whose portraits are permitted for display in government offices.
Deputy Mayor Defends Display Decision
Deputy Mayor Shaan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed, speaking on both Friday and Saturday, explained that she received the Tipu Sultan portrait from visitors and had no objection to its display in her office. She defended the decision by noting, "Tipu Sultan fought against the British and was acknowledged for his bravery at that time. There are roads named after him in Mumbai and Nagpur."
Ahmed suggested the controversy was an attempt to divert attention from administrative work, stating, "This is an attempt to divert attention from our work. Some people are unable to digest that two Muslim women are mayor and deputy mayor in Malegaon."
Historical Narrative Debate Intensifies
Sapkal elaborated on his position during a speech in Buldhana, describing Tipu Sultan as "a son of the soil" who "waged a war against the British and was a brave warrior." He argued, "We should view Tipu Sultan as an equal to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a symbol of bravery."
Fadnavis countered by objecting to what he described as attempts to recast historical narratives. "History must be taught properly. The new narrative that is being written, which we condemn in the strongest words," he declared. The Chief Minister also called upon Congress allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance to clarify their positions on the matter.
Political Support and Social Media Exchange
Chandrashekhar Bawankule supported Fadnavis's stance, terming the comparison "extremely outrageous and an attack on Maharashtra's identity." He called it "an insult to the legendary Maratha warrior and a betrayal of history."
Later on Saturday evening, Sapkal took to social media platform X to clarify his position, stating that while Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's valour remains unparalleled, Tipu Sultan was "valiant and a lover of Swarajya." He posted, "It was by taking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as an ideal that he fought against the British."
The Congress leader further escalated the debate by claiming that those following Sangh-BJP ideology were "slaves and spies of the British" while Tipu Sultan fought foreign rulers. He challenged Fadnavis's historical authority, saying, "Therefore, Devendra Fadnavis should not get into the pretence of teaching us history."
Sapkal also shared an image showing both Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan on the original copy of the Constitution, suggesting historical recognition of both figures in national documentation.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about historical interpretation, political symbolism in government offices, and the ongoing cultural-political debates in Maharashtra's political landscape.
