Mumbai, February 17: Shiv Sena leader Krishna Hegde unleashed a sharp critique against the Deputy Mayor of Malegaon for displaying a portrait of Tipu Sultan in her office, calling it a blatant disregard for Maharashtra’s historical sensitivities. Speaking exclusively to reporters, Hegde emphasized that the young politician lacks the political acumen to understand the reverence Maharashtrians hold for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Sambhaji Maharaj, icons of Hindu resistance and Swarajya.
Hegde detailed the atrocities committed during Tipu Sultan’s rule, including temple destructions and oppression of Hindus, arguing that honoring such a figure in a public office is deeply inappropriate. He condemned the reinstallation of the portrait after its initial removal by authorities as a provocative misstep. ‘Tipu fought the British to protect his estate, not for dharma like Shivaji or Sambhaji,’ Hegde asserted, drawing a clear line between the historical figures.
Shifting gears, Hegde dismissed recent controversial remarks by Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar as an internal party squabble. Aiyar has openly criticized Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, and KC Venugopal, signaling his frustration within Congress ranks. ‘That’s for Congress to handle; Shiv Sena and BJP need not interfere,’ Hegde noted, urging the party to resolve its organizational issues independently.
Meanwhile, the spotlight in Mumbai is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The duo inaugurated the Indo-France Summit, where business tycoons are deliberating on artificial intelligence, data sharing, and tech collaborations. Hegde highlighted an impending new agreement that promises to boost trade and investment between India and France, marking a significant step in bilateral ties.