Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal sparked a massive political controversy on February 14, 2026, by suggesting an equivalence between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan. Speaking to reporters in Buldhana, Sapkal argued that both rulers fought for the idea of "Swarajya" against foreign invaders. The comments were made in the context of a dispute over a portrait of the Mysuru ruler in the Malegaon Municipal Corporation.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted sharply to the comparison, calling it "shameful" and an insult to the legacy of the Maratha empire. Fadnavis asserted that Maharashtra would not tolerate such statements and demanded an immediate apology. "Sapkal should be ashamed for comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan," the Chief Minister told media personnel in Nagpur, urging Congress allies to clarify their stance.
- Bhoomiputra claim — Sapkal called Tipu Sultan a son of the soil who resisted British colonial rule.
- Constitutional reference — The Congress leader shared images of both rulers appearing in the original copy of the Constitution.
- Ideological clash — Sapkal accused the BJP-RSS ideology of being historically aligned with British interests.
Defending his remarks on social media, Harshwardhan Sapkal clarified that while Shivaji Maharaj's valour is unparalleled, Tipu Sultan was also a valiant fighter who took the Maratha king as an ideal. He hit back at Fadnavis, claiming the BJP was attempting to teach history while their own leaders had previously disrespected Shivaji Maharaj. The Congress leader maintained that his use of the word "samakaksh" (equivalent) was in the context of their shared struggle against the British.
Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe accused the BJP of fueling communal tensions to distract from governance failures. Londhe claimed the ruling party is avoiding discussions on farmer suicides, rising prices, and unemployment. The Shiv Sena and various Hindu outfits have joined the BJP in protesting Sapkal's remarks, further intensifying the political atmosphere in the state ahead of upcoming local body elections.
