Mumbai, Feb 16 (NationPress) The President of Maharashtra Congress, Harshwardhan Sapkal, openly challenged the BJP on Monday, claiming they could feel free to cut his tongue if he had made any historically inaccurate statements while comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of Mysore, based on their valor.

This statement came as a response to BJP legislator Narayan Kuche, who had announced a Rs 2 lakh reward for anyone who would sever Sapkal's tongue.

Sapkal declared, “If the BJP can substantiate that I have made any technical or historical errors regarding the struggle against British dominion, they are welcome to cut my tongue.”

In a post on platform X, he elaborated, “If cutting off my tongue will shield Indian farmers from American imports, cancel unjust trade agreements, ensure fair prices for agricultural products, alleviate farmers' debts, stop the BJP from inciting Hindu-Muslim animosity, and reclaim territories taken by China, then slice it off. However, if it’s merely to silence me for exposing the BJP and their agenda to alter the Constitution, then do it joyously, but I will not be silenced.”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis voiced his disapproval over the comparison, labeling it as “disrespectful” and “unacceptable.”

He emphasized that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a cherished icon in Maharashtra and throughout India, renowned for his bravery and the establishment of the Maratha Empire.

Conversely, the legacy of Tipu Sultan is often contentious, with some perceiving him as a divisive figure due to his treatment of Hindus and alliances with the French.

“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our hero, our muse. Equating him with Tipu Sultan is an affront to the people of Maharashtra and the whole country,” CM Fadnavis remarked.

“Such remarks only serve to foster division and offend those who revere Shivaji Maharaj,” he added, while requesting an apology from Sapkal.

In the meantime, BJP supporters protesting outside the Congress Bhavan clashed with Congress activists on Sunday.

The altercations involved stone-pelting from both factions, resulting in injuries to nine individuals, including two journalists and two police officers.

Sapkal urged the BJP to also burn effigies of former Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari or V. D. Savarkar due to their past controversial statements about Shivaji Maharaj, accusing the BJP of “selective outrage.”

As Sapkal made his challenge, Pune Police filed cross-FIRs—one against Sapkal for “hurting religious sentiments” and others against BJP leaders, including Dheeraj Ghate, concerning the violence at Congress Bhavan.

Sapkal asserted that he had already clarified his previous remarks, alleging that the BJP was creating mischief.

“The BJP is spreading venom in relation to my statement. I want to respectfully and proudly tell them that they do not need to teach us about Shivaji Maharaj,” he stated.