Mumbai, Feb 26 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis delivered a strong response on Thursday regarding the ongoing debate over Tipu Sultan, claiming that a history shaped by bias has misinformed the populace. His comments were made in reaction to the remarks of Congress Maharashtra State President Harshvardhan Sapkal, who suggested a parallel between Tipu Sultan and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Fadnavis condemned what he labeled as the "manipulation of historical narratives" for political advantage and emphasized that while India honors all patriotic figures, “invaders” cannot be revered as national heroes in Maharashtra.

During a discussion about the Governor’s address, the Chief Minister stated, “Regrettably, our true history has not been accurately conveyed. We hold no animosity towards the many patriotic Muslims in our nation. However, those who elevate anti-national figures and invaders to hero status are provoking us, and we will resist this.”

Fadnavis clarified that the concern stems not from whether Tipu Sultan was a "good or bad" leader, but from the effort to liken him to Maratha hero Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He asserted, "Our issue is with the assertion that Tipu Sultan was on par with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, or that he deserves the same level of honor. For many years, historical narratives have been twisted to present Tipu Sultan as a great king, while conveniently ignoring his role in the horrific massacre of 75,000 Hindus and 33,000 Nayars." He further contended that Tipu Sultan's resistance against the British was motivated by a desire to defend his own territory rather than a quest for national independence.

CM Fadnavis pointed out a notable transformation in the educational narrative under the current Central government, highlighting the differences between previous and current textbooks. “Formerly, Mughal history was given 17 pages, whereas the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was merely a single paragraph. Under the Modi administration, the history of the Marathas and Shivaji Maharaj has been expanded to 20 pages in NCERT materials,” he noted.

“Had the correct history been imparted appropriately, not a single Muslim in this country would have viewed Aurangzeb as a hero,” he remarked.

He stressed that while the country is home to many "patriotic Muslims" with whom there are no grievances, the government will staunchly oppose those who idolize invaders and adversaries of the nation.

CM Fadnavis emphasized that Shivaji Maharaj fought for Swarajya (self-rule), while Tipu Sultan’s legacy is tainted by the documented “slaughter of thousands of Hindus.”

He acknowledged that the comparison has profoundly offended the sentiments of the public, contributing to recent unrest in Pune and Mumbai. As the Home Minister, he cautioned that the government will not tolerate any “glorification” of individuals that provoke communal discord under the pretense of historical admiration.