‘BJP Is Using Shivaji-Tipu Row To Shift Focus From Core Issues, Epstein Files’
The name of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri (L) has featured multiple times in the Epstein Files, that contain photos, videos and other documents concerning the activities of the deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (Image: PTI)
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Sunday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately distorting his remarks equating Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan to deflect attention from pressing state issues and the “Epstein files.” Speaking to reporters in Wardha, Sapkal defended his statements, claiming they were being twisted for political gain.
The controversy stemmed from Sapkal’s comments in Buldhana, where he responded to objections over a portrait of Tipu Sultan in the office of Malegaon deputy mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed. Hindu outfits and Shiv Sena members had protested the display. Sapkal clarified that his remarks highlighted Tipu Sultan’s inspiration from Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals of resistance against British rule, not an equivalence.
“The BJP is spewing venom in connection with my statement. I want to humbly and with equal pride tell them in clear words that they do not need to teach us about Shivaji Maharaj,” Sapkal stated. He described Shivaji as the “founder of Hindavi Swarajya” and the “pride, honour and glory of Maharashtra and the Congress,” noting that the Maratha ruler’s valor influenced India’s Constitution.
Sapkal accused the BJP of “playing mischief” by selectively amplifying his words to create a Hindu-Muslim divide. “However, the statement being promoted is BJP’s mischief,” he alleged, adding, “The meaning of all this is clear. They want to divert attention from the basic issues of Maharashtra and from the Epstein files, in which a lot is hidden. Bringing caste and religion into every matter is the BJP’s old tactic.”
He targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, claiming Fadnavis criticized him over Tipu Sultan but stayed silent when compared to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. “They do not need to teach us about Shivaji Maharaj,” Sapkal reiterated, questioning the BJP’s consistency.
Sapkal also pointed out the BJP’s past use of Tipu Sultan’s imagery in election campaigns across Maharashtra, contrasting it with their current protests and plans to burn his effigies. “BJP leaders had earlier used Tipu Sultan’s imagery during election campaigns across Maharashtra, but are now organising protests and planning to burn his effigies,” he said.
He challenged the BJP, asking if they would burn effigies of Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar or former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for their controversial remarks on Shivaji Maharaj.
Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant echoed Sapkal’s criticism, accusing the BJP of “double standards” and pursuing a polarization agenda. “The BJP is pursuing a polarisation agenda,” Sawant said, citing civic body resolutions in Akola and Mumbai where BJP leaders allegedly praised or associated with Tipu Sultan. He argued the party’s stance was politically motivated, highlighting past instances to expose inconsistencies.
The exchange has intensified the political rivalry between the Congress and BJP in Maharashtra, with both sides accusing each other of exploiting historical figures for electoral advantage. Sapkal’s remarks underscore the Congress’s stance against divisive tactics, urging focus on substantive issues like governance and development.
