A fresh political storm has erupted in Maharashtra after a portrait of Tipu Sultan was briefly displayed inside the Malegaon Municipal Corporation premises. The incident has triggered strong objections from several Hindu organisations, with Shiv Sena (UBT) launching a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over the issue.

In its party mouthpiece Saamana, Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that, much like historical figures Aurangzeb and Afzal Khan, Tipu Sultan is once again being “brought back to life from the grave” for political gain.

How the Controversy Began

The row began when a portrait of Tipu Sultan was placed in the Shan-e-Hind Hall of the Deputy Mayor’s office at the Malegaon Municipal Corporation. As protests intensified, the portrait was quietly removed before the situation could escalate further.

However, Saamana claimed that the BJP deliberately politicised the issue, giving it a Hindu-Muslim angle. The editorial also dragged Harsh Vardhan Sapkal, the Maharashtra Congress president, into the controversy.

‘Comparing Tipu with Shivaji Is Unacceptable’

The flashpoint intensified after Sapkal reportedly said that Tipu Sultan should be considered on par with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shiv Sena (UBT) called this comparison “unthinkable” and accused Sapkal of handing the BJP an opportunity to attack the opposition.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly condemned the statement, calling the comparison disgraceful and insulting to Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. BJP leaders echoed this sentiment, sharply criticising the Congress for what they termed a historical and moral misjudgment.

Saamana’s Take on Tipu Sultan

In its editorial, Saamana stated that debating Tipu Sultan’s history endlessly serves little purpose. It described him as the ruler of Mysore who inherited his kingdom from his father Hyder Ali and fought primarily to protect his empire. While acknowledging Tipu’s resistance against British forces and his death in the Battle of Srirangapatna on May 4, 1799, the article stressed that his role cannot be equated with that of Shivaji Maharaj.

The editorial highlighted that Shivaji Maharaj built Hindavi Swaraj from the ground up to resist Mughal dominance, creating an independent kingdom rooted in the land and people. In contrast, Tipu inherited an already-established rule.

Allegations and Political Use of History

Saamana also referenced allegations against Tipu Sultan, including claims of forced religious conversions and atrocities against Hindus—issues that have long fueled political controversy. The editorial concluded that while some historians regard Tipu as an early freedom fighter, his legacy remains disputed.

It accused political parties of repeatedly using Tipu Sultan’s name for convenience—glorifying him at times and opposing him at others—depending on political needs.