Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Tipu Sultan Portrait Rekindles Political Row in Malegaon
A portrait of Tipu Sultan has appeared again in the deputy mayor’s office in Malegaon.
The office was recently renovated.
The portrait is displayed with pictures of Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. Ambedkar and other well-known figures.
Some BJP leaders and Hindutva groups want it removed.
They say Tipu Sultan is not on the government’s official list of recognized national heroes.
A minister has also criticized the display.
The same picture caused a disagreement in February 2026 and was removed then.
The local administration must now decide whether the portrait will stay or be removed again.
A portrait of Tipu Sultan has reportedly been displayed again in Deputy Mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed’s renovated office.
The portrait appears alongside images of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other prominent figures.
BJP leaders, workers and Hindutva organizations have demanded the portrait’s immediate removal.
Maharashtra minister Dadaji Bhuse called the display wrong, while Minister of State Yogesh Kadam accused its supporters of vote-bank politics.
A similar dispute in February 2026 ended with the portrait’s removal, but it has now resurfaced after renovation.
- Who
- Deputy Mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed, BJP leaders and workers, Hindutva organizations, Dadaji Bhuse and Yogesh Kadam are involved.
- What
- A portrait of Tipu Sultan has reportedly been displayed again in the deputy mayor’s renovated office, prompting objections and demands for its removal.
- When
- The latest display followed recent renovation work; a similar controversy occurred in February 2026.
- Where
- The Deputy Mayor’s office at the Malegaon Municipal Corporation in Malegaon, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Supporters cite Shan-e-Hind’s view that Tipu Sultan was a historical figure whose portrait she had the right to display, while opponents object to his public representation and question whether the display follows government protocol.
Supporters of the Display
Opponents of the Display
Whether the portrait should remain
Supporters of the Display
Deputy Mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed has said Tipu Sultan was a historical figure who sacrificed his life for the country and that displaying his portrait was within her rights.
Opponents of the Display
BJP leaders, workers and Hindutva organizations have demanded immediate removal, and Dadaji Bhuse has said the portrait should be removed.
Political meaning of the display
Supporters of the Display
The available reports present the display as Shan-e-Hind’s decision to place Tipu Sultan alongside other historical and national figures.
Opponents of the Display
Minister of State Yogesh Kadam described the move as vote-bank politics that could create Hindu-Muslim tensions.
Official rules and public order
Supporters of the Display
Shan-e-Hind’s earlier position was that she could display the portrait in her office.
Opponents of the Display
The BJP has argued that Tipu Sultan is not on the government’s official list of recognized national heroes and warned of street protests, citing concerns about law and order.
- Location
- Deputy Mayor’s office, Malegaon Municipal Corporation, Malegaon
- Portrait subject
- Tipu Sultan
- Other portraits
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other prominent personalities
- Latest development
- The portrait was reportedly displayed again after the office was renovated
- Earlier dispute
- The portrait was displayed and then removed after objections in February 2026
- Opposition action
- A BJP delegation reportedly filed a complaint with Malegaon’s Additional Superintendent of Police
- Government reactions
- Dadaji Bhuse called the display wrong, while Yogesh Kadam described it as vote-bank politics
- Reported discrepancy
- One article describes Bhuse as a minister, while another calls him a former minister and Malegaon leader
