A violent clash erupted in Pune on Sunday between BJP and Congress workers over remarks by Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal, who compared Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan.
BJP workers protested outside the Congress Bhavan, accusing Sapkal of hurting Hindu sentiments, while Congress alleged stone pelting by BJP activists.
The scuffle left three Congress workers, two BJP workers, two police personnel, and two journalists with minor injuries. Police confirmed cases are being registered against participants from both sides.
The controversy follows Sapkal’s reference to Tipu Sultan’s anti-British stance as similar to Shivaji’s ideals of ‘Swarajya,’ sparking outrage among BJP and Hindu groups.
Congress leaders defended Sapkal, accusing BJP of hypocrisy and a polarisation agenda, noting that BJP had historically endorsed Tipu Sultan in resolutions, road namings, and official ceremonies in Mumbai and Akola.
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