A political controversy has ignited in the Malegaon Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra over the display of a photo of Tipu Sultan, a historical figure, in the office of Deputy Mayor Nihar Ahmed. The presence of this photo has triggered aggressive reactions from the local units of the BJP and Shiv Sena, who view the display as provocative. BJP's Tushar Bhosale has warned the Municipal Corporation to remove the photograph within 24 hours, threatening that if they fail to comply, the local Hindu community would take matters into their own hands.

In response to the controversy, members of the Shiv Sena faction, aligned with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, have lodged strong protests at the Municipal Commissioner’s office, demanding the immediate removal of the photo. They have vowed not to remain silent until the photo is taken down, indicating a rising level of tension within the Municipal Corporation. Leader Nilesh Aher of the Shiv Sena has asserted that the administration must act promptly, warning that failure to do so could escalate protests into a more significant movement.

Deputy Mayor Nihar Ahmed has dismissed the protests, explaining that the photo was given to him as a gift from his comrades and asserting that Tipu Sultan is an icon of freedom. This response further intensifies the already charged atmosphere around the municipal governance in Malegaon, highlighting the communal and political divisions within the state.