Political tensions flared dramatically in Pune on Sunday after a heated controversy over remarks made by Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal triggered violent clashes between workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress. The confrontation near Congress Bhavan escalated into stone pelting and chaos, leaving at least nine people injured, including party workers, police personnel and media representatives.

According to Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma, three Congress workers and two BJP workers sustained injuries during the unrest. Two police officials deployed at the scene and two journalists covering the protest were also hurt. Authorities confirmed that cases are being filed against individuals from both groups as investigations begin into the violence.

The flashpoint for the clash was Sapkal’s recent statement comparing the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with that of Tipu Sultan. The remark came amid controversy surrounding the display of Tipu Sultan’s portrait in a civic office in Malegaon. Defending the historical reference, Sapkal had said that Tipu Sultan drew inspiration from Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals of bravery and self-rule while fighting the British. His statement sparked sharp backlash from BJP leaders, who accused him of disrespecting the Maratha icon.

BJP’s Pune leadership condemned the comments and staged protests, alleging that Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy had been insulted. Party representatives claimed their demonstration was peaceful until Congress workers allegedly began pelting stones. Meanwhile, Congress leaders countered that BJP activists provoked the confrontation and were attempting to polarise sentiments for political gain ahead of upcoming elections.

The incident has intensified the political atmosphere in Maharashtra, where historical figures often become flashpoints in ideological battles. With police action underway and political rhetoric escalating, the clash is expected to further deepen the divide between the two rival parties in the state.