Mumbai, February 17 Facing criticism for his remarks drawing parallels between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal apologized on Tuesday, saying he did not intend to offend anyone's sentiments.
He reiterated that his remarks were "deliberately distorted" as part of a malicious agenda by the BJP to create social tension.
The Congress leader stated on X that his original remarks were intended to promote unity by displaying portraits of various national icons together in government offices.
He alleged that a portion of his speech was taken out of context and circulated on social media to falsely suggest that he had compared Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan.
Noting that the sentiments of some followers of Shivaji Maharaj were hurt, Sapkal said he was apologizing as he did not intend to offend anyone.
The controversy stemmed from a portrait of 18th-century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan displayed in the office of Malegaon Municipal Corporation deputy mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed, which Shiv Sena corporators and Hindu outfits opposed.
While highlighting the valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the way he presented the idea of 'Swarajya', Sapkal gave the example of Tipu Sultan's call for battle against the British and claimed this was an ideal articulated on the same lines.
The alleged "comparison" led to the registration of an FIR against Sapkal in Pune and a sharp rebuke from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who said the state will not tolerate any disrespect to Shivaji Maharaj.
Sapkal emphasized on Tuesday that Shivaji Maharaj remains his "ideal, inspiration, and pride".
He clarified that he had only stated that Tipu Sultan drew inspiration from Shivaji Maharaj in fighting the British and that historical contributions should not be used to divide society.
The Congress leader alleged that the BJP and its affiliates had run a misinformation campaign to create religious discord.
He said differences over history should be addressed through balanced and scholarly debate without fueling polarisation on religious or caste lines.