Malegaon: A portrait of Tipu Sultan in the office of Malegaon’s Deputy Mayor Shan-e-Hind has sparked fierce protests from Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and BJP workers, who stormed the municipal commissioner’s office Friday demanding its immediate removal.
The image, gifted by fellow corporators when she took office, has fueled outrage in the communally sensitive city, with Shiv Sena leader Nilesh Aher questioning why icons like Shivaji or BR Ambedkar weren’t chosen instead and issuing a 24-hour ultimatum: “The photo must be removed within 24 hours. If there is any law and order problem, the administration will be responsible.”
BJP spiritual wing head Tushar Bhosale warned that the entire Hindu community would act if ignored, escalating tensions over Tipu Sultan’s divisive legacy as a British foe versus accusations of religious persecution.
Deputy Mayor Shan-e-Hind stood firm, defending the portrait as a tribute to a freedom fighter: “Tipu Sultan fought against the British. He is regarded by many as a freedom fighter. I see no reason to remove the portrait,” rejecting politicisation and citing past BJP acknowledgements in Karnataka, while decrying personal attacks on her as a minority OBC woman. She added it might come down only for office repairs but will stay otherwise, heightening fears of unrest as both sides dig in.