What Sparked the Row?
The controversy began after Sapkal spoke to reporters about a portrait of Tipu Sultan displayed in the office of Malegaon Municipal Corporation’s deputy mayor, Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed. The portrait had already drawn objections from Shiv Sena corporators and some Hindu groups.
While explaining his position, Sapkal said that the bravery of Shivaji Maharaj and his idea of ‘Swarajya’ later inspired Tipu Sultan in his fight against the British.
As reported by PTI, Sapkal said that in that sense, Tipu Sultan emerged as a warrior and could be regarded “on par” with Shivaji Maharaj. According to News18, he described Tipu as a “symbol of bravery” and a “true son of India” who did not allow communal ideas to influence him.
After facing criticism, Sapkal said journalists had asked him whether photos of great leaders should be displayed together and accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of twisting his words to create a Hindu-Muslim controversy.
In a later post on X, he clarified that Shivaji Maharaj’s valour is unparalleled and said Tipu Sultan had drawn inspiration from him.
FIR Registered Against Sapkal
Following the remarks, Pune police registered a case against Sapkal.
The complaint was filed by BJP Pune city chief Dhiraj Ghate. As reported by ANI, the complaint alleged that Sapkal’s statement was provocative, hurt religious sentiments and could disturb communal harmony. Ghate said the remarks hurt the sentiments of Hindus who consider Shivaji Maharaj as God.
The FIR has been registered under sections 192, 196(1), 196(2), 352 and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Earlier, PTI reported that a BJP functionary sought action under sections related to provoking a riot and promoting enmity. Police said the investigation is underway.
Chief Minister’s Reaction
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly condemned the comparison. He said Maharashtra would not tolerate such remarks and demanded that Sapkal apologise. He also asked the Congress and its allies to clarify their stand.
#WATCH | Nagpur | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, “We condemn the comparison Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal drew between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan. He should be ashamed. Chhatrapati established Swarajya and freed the common man from the yoke of the… pic.twitter.com/m9Nfz0CDsS
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2026
The BJP maintained that equating Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan was unacceptable.
Protests and Clashes in Pune
Tensions escalated in Pune when BJP workers gathered outside the Congress Bhavan to protest against Sapkal’s remarks. Congress workers also assembled at the site.
#WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra: Pune BJP leaders hold protest against Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal over his controversial remarks comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan. pic.twitter.com/Y0ZtHlUQSP
— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2026
According to Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma, there was sloganeering from both sides, workers climbed walls, and stone pelting occurred. As per PTI, three Congress workers, two BJP workers, two police personnel and two journalists sustained minor injuries.
Police said cases are being registered against workers of both parties. Congress leaders alleged that BJP activists indulged in stone pelting and later staged a sit-in protest seeking action.
₹10 Lakh Reward and ‘Shoe Protest’
The controversy intensified after BJP leaders in Ahilyanagar allegedly announced a ₹10 lakh reward for anyone who would cut off Sapkal’s tongue.
According to News18, the announcement was made during a protest held in front of a Shivaji memorial. BJP workers staged a “shoe protest” and raised slogans, calling Sapkal’s remarks objectionable.
The development further increased tensions in the region.
Congress Alleges ‘Double Standards’
Senior Congress leader Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of pursuing a polarisation agenda and practising “double standards”.
He cited past instances where BJP leaders allegedly supported references to Tipu Sultan in civic bodies in Akola and Mumbai. Sawant claimed that in earlier years, resolutions were passed to name public spaces after Tipu Sultan with the support of BJP corporators.
He also stated that in 2017, then President Ram Nath Kovind had praised Tipu Sultan in the Karnataka Assembly.
Another Congress spokesperson, Atul Londhe, alleged that the BJP was trying to divert attention from governance issues by fuelling controversy over Sapkal’s remark.
Why Tipu Sultan Remains a Polarising Figure
Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of Mysuru, remains a debated historical figure. Some highlight his resistance against British colonial rule. Others accuse him of religious bigotry and ill-treatment of non-Muslims.
Because of these sharply divided views, references to Tipu Sultan often lead to political disputes, especially when linked to a revered figure like Shivaji Maharaj.
Where the Row Stands Now
With an FIR registered, protests reported in multiple places and political exchanges intensifying, the Shivaji–Tipu row has become a major flashpoint in Maharashtra politics.
Police investigations are ongoing, and both the BJP and the Congress continue to accuse each other of attempting to polarise voters as the controversy unfolds.
