BJP Criticized for Hypocrisy on Tipu Sultan Portrayal

5 UPDATES · 5 DAYS · 14 FEB 2026 — 18 FEB 2026

PuneCongressShiv SenaBJPMaharashtraDevendra FadnavisAimimNagpur

Latest · 18 Feb 2026

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal issued an apology for remarks comparing Tipu Sultan to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, sparking controversy and protests.

What this timeline covers

This event covers the controversy sparked by Harshawardhan Sapkal's comparison of Tipu Sultan to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, including reactions from the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, as well as Sapkal's defense of his remarks. It excludes other actions or statements made by Sapkal, the BJP, Shiv Sena, or Devendra Fadnavis unless they are direct responses or developments related to this specific comparison.

The full story, from the beginning

14Feb

STORY BEGINS — The Hindu

Maharashtra Congress chief draws flak over remarks on Tipu Sultan, Chhatrapati Shivaji

15Feb

The Hindu

Congress leader Sachin Sawant accuses the BJP of hypocrisy in its current criticism of a portrait of Tipu Sultan, citing past instances of BJP leaders supporting the historical figure.

The Hindu

Shivaji-Tipu remarks: BJP, Congress workers pelt stones in Pune, 9 injured; cops to book both sides

The Hindu

Following an FIR filed by the BJP against Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal for a comparison of Tipu Sultan to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, tensions escalated between the parties.

18Feb

LATEST UPDATE — The Hindu

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal issued an apology for remarks comparing Tipu Sultan to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, sparking controversy and protests.

Story concluded