Shaane Hind Nihal Ahmed’s office photo sparks row in Maharashtra

New Delhi: A political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after a photograph of former Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan was displayed in the official chamber of Malegaon Deputy Mayor Shaane Hind Nihal Ahmed, replacing portraits typically seen in public offices such as those of Mahatma Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar.

Images and videos of the office showing Tipu Sultan’s portrait went viral on social media, drawing sharp reactions from leaders of the BJP and the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena. Critics alleged that the move amounted to disrespecting national icons and undermining constitutional values.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared the image on Instagram and launched a scathing attack on opposition parties. He claimed that the Deputy Mayor had chosen to display the portrait of a ruler he described as hostile to Hindus, while portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar were absent.

Calling it a “serious insult to real national heroes,” Poonawalla alleged that certain parties were glorifying historical figures selectively for political gains. He further accused opposition formations, including the Samajwadi Party and AIMIM, of promoting divisive politics.

On the other hand, Shaane Hind Nihal Ahmed defended her decision, stating that the portrait of Tipu Sultan was received as a gift and that there was nothing objectionable in displaying it. She described Tipu Sultan as a “freedom fighter” who resisted the British East India Company and argued that his legacy is recognised by many historians.

“Tipu Sultan fought against the East India Company and the British. Even the British acknowledged his resistance. He was among the early rulers to oppose colonial expansion,” she reportedly said, asserting that the issue was being unnecessarily politicised.

The Deputy Mayor also cited Tipu Sultan’s contributions in military innovation, including the use of early rocket artillery, and maintained that honouring such a historical figure should not be controversial.

Shaane Hind Nihal Ahmed, a corporator from the Samajwadi Party, was elected Deputy Mayor of the 84-member Malegaon Municipal Corporation with the support of an alliance that secured 43 votes. AIMIM’s Sheikh Nasreen Khalid was elected Mayor. The Congress also extended support to Ahmed’s candidature for the Deputy Mayor’s post.

The incident has intensified political debate in Maharashtra, with rival parties trading allegations over historical interpretations and symbolic politics. While the BJP and its allies have demanded accountability, supporters of the Deputy Mayor argue that historical figures should be viewed in a broader context.

The controversy continues to unfold amid heightened political rhetoric ahead of local body developments in the state.