BJP workers confronted Congress activists in Pune as they protested against Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal’s remarks “equating” Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan, with the opposition party claiming they threw stones during the agitation on Sunday (February 15, 2026).
Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma told reporters that three Congress workers, two BJP workers, two police personnel and two journalists sustained minor injuries in the battle, adding that the process of registering cases against both parties was underway.
“A protest was held near Congress Bhavan which saw sloganeering by BJP and Congress workers. Workers of both parties climbed the wall and there was stone pelting from both sides. Cases are being registered against workers of both parties,” informed Mr. Sharma.
Pune City Congress chief Arvind Shinde said the party has lodged a written complaint with the police against the BJP functionaries. A case should be filed against Mayor Manjusha Nagpur, BJP city president Dheeraj Ghate, Dushyant Mohol and other workers, Shinde added.
There was heavy police deployment in the area as BJP workers protested outside the Congress Bhavan and condemned Mr. Sapkal’s comments which had sparked a row in the state.
On Saturday (February 14, 2026), a controversy erupted over a portrait of Tipu Sultan at the office of Malegaon Municipal Corporation Shan-e-Hind Deputy Mayor Nihal Ahmed, pitting Shiv Sena corporators and Hindus against each other.
While pointing out the prowess of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the way he presented the idea of ’Swarajya’, Mr. Sapkal cited the example of Tipu Sultan’s call to fight against the British and argued that it was an ideal expressed on the same lines.
Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of “double standards” and pursuing a polarizing agenda after Sapkal faced criticism for the remark.
In his statement, the Congress spokesperson cited several instances where he alleged that BJP leaders had earlier endorsed or approved references to the 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan in public spaces and official forums.
He referred to resolutions in civic bodies in Akola and Mumbai as well as past instances of BJP leaders allegedly praising or associating a historical figure to argue that the party’s current opposition was politically motivated.
BJP workers staged a protest in Pune condemning Mr. Sapkal’s remarks.
The Congress claimed that two of its workers were injured when saffron party activists indulged in stone pelting outside the Congress Bhavan.
Speaking to PTI, Mohan Joshi, vice-president of the Maharashtra Congress unit, said a large number of BJP workers, including newly elected mayor Manjush Nagpur, had gathered in protest outside the Congress Bhavan.
“Stones were pelted on Congress workers during the protest and two sustained injuries. We are currently holding protest demonstrations outside the Shivajinagar police station and seeking action,” he said.
Krishikesh Rawale, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1), said the police intervened to prevent the flare-up.
BJP Pune city unit president Dheeraj Ghate lodged a complaint against Mr. Sapkal at Parvati police station for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments and a first information report was registered.
Tipu Sultan remains a polarizing figure in history, with some citing his bravery in battles against the British, while others point to his religious bigotry and mistreatment of non-Muslims.
Published – 15 Feb 2026 19:03 IST