Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday criticised Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj-Tipu Sultan row, calling it a ‘distorted history’.
CM Fadnavis said that invaders were glorified in textbooks.
He stated that Mughal rulers and Tipu Sultan were glorified in school textbooks due to what he described as distorted history.
Speaking in the state legislative assembly, he said there was no objection to nationalist Muslims, but the government would firmly oppose anyone who supported or praised those who invaded or attacked the country.
Fadnavis claimed that for nearly 70 years, NCERT textbooks devoted around 17 pages to Mughal history, while Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was covered in just a single paragraph.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, textbooks have now been revised to give greater prominence to Shivaji Maharaj, with around 20 pages dedicated to his life and achievements.
No comparison between Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultam: CM
The Chief Minister stated that there could be no comparison between Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan. He alleged that important details, including the killing of thousands of Hindus during Tipu’s rule, were not adequately mentioned in textbooks.
CM Fadnavis further claimed that Tipu Sultan fought the British mainly to protect his own kingdom and empire.
He added that if history had not been “distorted”, no Indian Muslim would have regarded Mughal ruler Aurangzeb or other invaders as heroes.
The Malegaon controversy
The remarks come amid a political controversy in Malegaon, where a portrait of Tipu Sultan was placed in the office of a newly elected deputy mayor and later removed following objections.
The issue escalated after Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal allegedly drew a parallel between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan.
While Sapkal maintained that his statement had been misinterpreted, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and several Hindu organisations staged protests opposing the remarks.
CM’s warning
CM Fadnavis reiterated that the government respected nationalist Muslims but would take firm action against anyone who supported or glorified historical figures who invaded India.
He said the government remained committed to presenting what it considers a balanced and accurate account of history.
