Mumbai, Feb 16 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Monday engaged in the contentious political debate regarding Tipu Sultan, firmly dismissing any parallels drawn between the 18th-century Mysore sovereign and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

In a pointed editorial published in its official organ, 'Saamana', the Shiv Sena(UBT) took aim at Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal for likening the two historical figures, while simultaneously accusing the BJP of "political hypocrisy" concerning its viewpoint on Tipu Sultan and Pakistan.

The piece, titled 'Tipuchya Navane BJP-chya Tiprya!' (BJP's tricks in the name of Tipu), condemned the BJP's "double standards", arguing that the party invokes historical personalities solely when it aligns with their "polarisation agenda", neglecting more urgent national concerns.

The editorial highlighted a recent incident where a picture of Tipu Sultan was showcased in the office of the Deputy Mayor ‘Shan-e-Hind’ at the Malegaon Municipal Corporation. Although the image was taken down to avert communal unrest, the BJP staged a significant protest. Tensions escalated when Congress State Vice President Harshvardhan Sapkal equated the contributions of Tipu Sultan with those of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This assertion was promptly countered by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who questioned the "morality and worth" of the Congress party.

While denouncing the veneration of Tipu, the Thackeray faction redirected its critique towards the BJP, accusing them of inconsistency.

The editorial underscored a stark contradiction, noting that while BJP leaders exhibit "outbursts of patriotism" over Tipu Sultan's portrait, they remain "cold" towards engaging in cricket matches with Pakistan—a country implicated in "Hindu blood"shed during incidents in Pulwama and Pahalgam.

It asserted that those who previously advocated for naming Mumbai's roads and parks after Tipu Sultan are presently affiliated with the BJP. “The proposal to name Mumbai's streets after 'Tipu' was originally the BJP's. Current Mayor Ritu Tawde can attest to this. Yet, they persist in their protests in Tipu's name. Truly, the shameless are always content!” mocked the Thackeray faction. The editorial acknowledged Tipu Sultan's controversial legacy but emphasized that he was the first Indian ruler to stand against British colonialism.

“Tipu and his father were pioneers in utilizing 'rockets' and gunpowder against the British and modernizing their military. However, Hindavi Swarajya is deemed superior due to its principles. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a guardian of women's honor, famously ensuring the safe return of the daughter-in-law of the Subhedar of Kalyan. In contrast, Tipu's legacy is marred by allegations involving a widow named Gayatri, which remains a blemish on his history,” it stated.

The Thackeray faction reminded that while Tipu battled the British East India Company, certain factions within the Peshwa administration were eager to see the British flag hoisted over Shaniwar Wada.

“The BJP resurrects Tipu's legacy only when it serves their electoral motives. They exploit his name to fuel Hindu-Muslim conflicts for political gain, yet they remain 'thanda' (cold) when addressing Pakistan,” it commented.

According to the editorial, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj fought against the Mughals (such as Aurangzeb and Afzal Khan) to safeguard Hindavi Swarajya, whereas Tipu Sultan’s main adversary was the British, asserting that resurrecting this history only serves to provoke communal discord.