Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : Shiv Sena’s Critique Sparks Tipu Sultan Controversy and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
The Shiv Sena’s editorial in its mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ on Monday lambasted Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal for linking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan. This comparison has, according to the Shiv Sena (UBT), unnecessarily handed a volatile topic to the BJP.
Amidst the uproar, the BJP swiftly painted the situation with a Hindu-Muslim hue, seizing upon the historic figures’ portrayal in the broader socio-political landscape. The editorial argued that while Tipu Sultan is honored in Pakistan, the BJP has not hesitated to support India-Pakistan cricket matches, revealing selective condemnation.
In the latest related developments, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde supported the Shiv Sena (UBT) stance, stressing that equating Shivaji with Tipu Sultan undermines Maharashtra’s revered cultural heritage. Shinde warned against the issue being used for vote bank politics, urging the maintenance of law and order.
(With inputs from agencies.)