Sapkal's Shivaji-Tipu Remarks Spark Pune Clashes

A political dispute erupted in India — Pune, India, following remarks by Harshwardhan Sapkal, president of the India — Indian National Congress in Maharashtra, who allegedly compared Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Sultan. This sparked protests by India — Bharatiya Janata Party workers outside the India — Indian National Congress Bhavan, leading to violent clashes, stone pelting, and injuries to nine people, including party workers, police, and journalists. Multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against leaders and workers from both the India — Bharatiya Janata Party and the India — Indian National Congress, including Dheeraj Ghate and Arvind Shinde. Harshwardhan Sapkal later issued a clarification and apology, stating his words were taken out of context and distorted by the India — Bharatiya Janata Party to incite religious tensions. India — Indian National Congress leaders, such as Sachin Sawant, accused the India — Bharatiya Janata Party of hypocrisy and politicizing the issue, citing past instances where India — Bharatiya Janata Party leaders had praised or endorsed Sultan.