“We Will Not Tolerate This Comparison”: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Slams Harshvardhan Sapkal Over Tipu–Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Remark

Mumbai: A political storm erupted in Maharashtra after Congress state president Harshvardhan Sapkal remarked that Tipu Sultan should be regarded on par with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The statement drew sharp condemnation from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who called the comparison unacceptable.

The controversy intensified after a portrait of the 18th-century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan was reportedly displayed in the office of Malegaon Deputy Mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed, sparking protests and reactions from various political leaders.

Responding to Sapkal’s remarks, Fadnavis said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Swarajya and liberated people from oppressive rule, and that equating him with Tipu Sultan was deeply inappropriate. He stated, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Swarajya and freed people from Mughal rule, while on the other hand, Tipu Sultan killed thousands of Hindus. We will not tolerate this comparison at all.”

The Chief Minister further added, “He should be ashamed. We will not tolerate this comparison at all…” making it clear that the government views such statements as an insult to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Defending his position, Sapkal argued that both historical figures displayed courage in their respective battles. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Tipu Sultan became a warrior who showed bravery, that is, he became a son of the soil, he never embraced any poisonous, destructive ideas. As a sign of bravery, Tipu Sultan should be seen as equal to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”