Mumbai, Feb 16 (NationPress) The debate over the exhibition of Tipu Sultan's portrait in the office of the Malegaon Deputy Mayor escalated on Monday, as Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi came forward to champion the former Mysore ruler as a 'freedom fighter' who 'valiantly challenged' the British.

The political clash began when Shiv Sena members from the Eknath Shinde faction entered the Malegaon Municipal Corporation and called for the immediate removal of the portrait from Deputy Mayor Shan-e-Hind's office.

The portrait was allegedly gifted to the Deputy Mayor by other corporators upon her assumption of office, but it faced backlash from Shiv Sena representatives and groups aligned with the BJP.

As tensions rose, the BJP filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Maharashtra Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal for his comments that seemingly compared Tipu Sultan to Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

In response to the uproar, Azmi defended Tipu Sultan's historical significance and questioned the motivations behind the objections to his portrait.

Speaking to IANS, he remarked, 'This nation is governed by a Constitution. The Constitution features portraits of both Rani Lakshmibai and Tipu Sultan. Their legacies are well documented. Some individuals commemorate Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary, yet the government restricts it.' He highlighted that in 2024, the Bombay High Court granted permission for his birth anniversary celebrations.

Pointing to historical records, Azmi noted, 'During his reign, the economy flourished. He contributed to temples, a fact well-documented. He supported Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham and Ranganathaswamy Temple. Most crucially, his struggle against the British to defend his land is undeniable; his legacy cannot be erased.'

Addressing claims that Tipu Sultan was involved in temple demolitions, Azmi countered, 'Now they allege he destroyed temples. I ask, who was responsible for the Babri Masjid demolition? How many mosques face destruction today? I condemn all acts of destruction. However, Tipu Sultan was not among them.'

Reaffirming his view, he declared, 'Tipu Sultan was a courageous warrior; a 'Mujahid-e-Azadi' (freedom fighter). He gallantly resisted the British. What harm is there in the Deputy Mayor showcasing Tipu Sultan's image in her office?'

Azmi further asserted that the issue is being exploited for political gain to sow communal discord.

'The government's agenda is to divide Hindus and Muslims by revisiting history. They aim to instigate religious hatred among the youth.'

The SP leader emphasized that he does not perceive Tipu Sultan as a 'tyrant.'

'I was not alive during his time, nor did I witness events firsthand. My understanding is based on the Constitution and history books. Tipu Sultan's image appears in the Constitution; how can I label him cruel? He was only cruel to the British.'

The controversy ignited on Saturday when Shiv Sena leaders protested against the portrait's installation in the Deputy Mayor's office. Following the demonstrations, the portrait was ultimately taken down.

In the meantime, Harshvardhan Sapkal characterized Tipu Sultan as a valiant ruler who resisted British oppression, suggesting he be esteemed alongside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The BJP strongly opposed this comparison, deeming Sapkal's comments 'intolerable' and subsequently filing a police report.

Reacting to Sapkal's statements, Azmi said, 'He has made a comparison, and he must address it. I seek harmony in our nation. Let us not erase history. We should advance together. Those who visit temples should worship there; those who go to mosques should do so there. Unity is crucial in our country, and attempts to fracture this are perilous.'