A political storm has engulfed Malegaon, Maharashtra, over a portrait of Tipu Sultan. The installation of Tipu Sultan's portrait in the office of the Municipal Corporation's Deputy Mayor, Shaan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed, has sparked an aggressive response from Shiv Sena and BJP.
Tushar Bhosale, head of the BJP's spiritual wing, has issued a warning to the municipal corporation, demanding the portrait's removal within 24 hours. He asserted that failure to do so would lead to the Hindu community taking matters into their own hands and removing it themselves.
Councillors from the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena also reached the office of the Municipal Commissioner to register a strong protest. They are adamant that they will not rest until the portrait is taken down from the Deputy Mayor's office.
A Warning of Mass Protests
The leader of the Shiv Sena faction, Nilesh Aher, stated that the administration should immediately take notice and remove the portrait. He warned that if this is not done, the protest will escalate into a major movement, leading to a tense atmosphere within the municipal corporation.
Deputy Mayor's Counterattack
Deputy Mayor Shaan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed has dismissed the objections and explained that the portrait was a gift from his colleagues. He argued that Tipu Sultan was a freedom fighter who bravely fought against the British, and thus he sees no issue with displaying the portrait.
Ahmed further claimed that a BJP parliamentarian has also acknowledged Tipu Sultan's contributions. Referring to a notification from Maharashtra's government, he questioned the legitimacy of those raising objections. Meanwhile, as videos and photos of the portrait spread, a heated debate continues to rage between both sides on social media.
