The installation of Tipu Sultan’s portrait in Malegaon Deputy Mayor’s office has ignited fresh debates, with SP MLA Abu Azmi labeling it a calculated move to fuel Hindu-Muslim tensions. Speaking exclusively, Azmi invoked the Constitution’s unifying power, pointing out that national history honors icons like Tipu alongside other heroes who resisted British tyranny.
Recalling past controversies over Tipu’s jayanti, Azmi noted the 2024 Bombay High Court ruling permitting celebrations. He portrayed Tipu not just as a soldier but as a ‘mujahid of independence,’ whose ferocity against the British should be viewed through the lens of anti-colonial struggle. Demanding proof from detractors on temple demolition claims, Azmi highlighted Tipu’s progressive governance, where his domains boasted superior economies compared to Britain.
Historical records, according to Azmi, show Tipu funding and protecting temples, countering narratives of religious intolerance. He expressed dismay at rising incidents of religious site desecrations across India, pledging support for communal harmony. Regarding the portrait, Azmi dismissed objections as baseless, arguing it’s a personal choice in a private office.
Azmi didn’t shy away from broader critiques, referencing the Babri Masjid incident to question inconsistent historical accountability. He alleged governmental orchestration in amplifying such issues to divide voters. In lighter news, Azmi hailed India’s cricket triumph against Pakistan, quipping that it humbled their rivals and boosted national morale. His statement serves as a rallying cry against politicizing history, advocating for a cohesive society.