3 months ago
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Following wide outrage implicit his remarks, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal connected Wednesday (February 18, 2026) apologised unconditionally to followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Any wounded caused to their sentiments was unintended and profoundly regretted, Mr. Sapkal said.
In an entreaty issued 2 days earlier Shivaji Jayanti, the commencement day of the Maratha warrior king, Mr. Sapkal sought to enactment the contention to rest. The Maratha ruler remained his foremost inspiration and determination could beryllium nary examination betwixt Chhatrapati Shivaji and immoderate different humanities figure, helium said.
“If my words, adjacent successful a misinterpreted form, person caused symptom to those who revere Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I sincerely apologise. That was ne'er my intent,” Mr. Sapkal said successful a connection addressed to the public. His earlier remarks had been made successful effect to a query connected the show of portraits of humanities personalities successful authorities establishments to foster unity, helium said.
He had lone made a factual reflection regarding Tipu Sultan, drafting inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s absorption against the British, Mr. Sapkal said. A 70-second information of his code had been deliberately taken retired of discourse by his governmental opponents to stoke spiritual tensions, helium added. Citing caller protests successful Pune, helium said the contention had been amplified to make spiritual friction.
Mr. Sapkal courted contention by comparing Tipu Sultan with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj connected Saturday (February 14, 2026) to accidental some historical figures should beryllium seen successful the aforesaid league. The contented pertained to an representation of Tipu Sultan seen successful the enclosure of the Deputy Mayor of Malegaon, which the Shiv Sena protested against.
“I clasp Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj successful the highest regard. His bequest stands unsocial and cannot beryllium equated with anyone. The question of examination simply does not arise,” Mr. Sapkal said.
He urged the nationalist to not autumn prey to misinformation, and appealed for calm, asking that the substance beryllium laid to rest. Without naming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) straight successful this portion of his address, helium suggested that definite elements were deliberately fanning discord to divert attraction from pressing concerns affecting the communal man.
Mr. Sapkal’s remarks came amid escalating governmental sparring implicit the issue, with assorted outfits demanding enactment against him. The apology drew mixed reactions. While immoderate welcomed the clarification, others continued to request a fuller explanation.
Mr. Sapkal accused the BJP of shifting absorption from pressing issues, including agrarian distress and a projected commercialized statement with the U.S. “If they privation to soundlessness maine for exposing their actions, fto them try. I volition not beryllium cowed down, nor volition I cease speaking the truth,” Mr. Sapkal said, referring to reports of BJP leaders announcing a reward for anyone who would chopped his (Mr. Sapkal’s) tongue.
