Nashik, February 13 A portrait of 18th-century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan in the office of Malegaon deputy mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed has sparked controversy, with Shiv Sena corporators protesting and demanding its removal.
Tipu Sultan remains a divisive figure in history, with some highlighting his bravery in fighting against the British, while others point to his intolerance and mistreatment of Hindus in various parts of South India.
Protesting Shiv Sena corporators, led by group leader Nilesh Aher, who have petitioned the municipal commissioner on the issue, and Ahmed engaged in a heated exchange, with the latter angrily telling them that she would not remove the portrait.
"The portrait was gifted to me by my corporators. I have no objection to it. Tipu Sultan was a freedom fighter who fought against the British. The government itself has mentioned this in an affidavit after some people approached the courts seeking a ban on celebrating Tipu Sultan's birthday," the deputy mayor said.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena group leader Aher said his party would continue to protest until the portrait is removed.