Tensions flared in Pune on Sunday (February 15) afternoon as clashes broke out near Congress Bhavan, the city headquarters of the Congress, following a political confrontation between party workers and BJP supporters.

Details of the number of people injured and the extent of their injuries are awaited.

The unrest erupted during a protest over a remark made by Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal concerning Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan.

The confrontation occurred just hours after an FIR was lodged against Sapkal in Pune. The complaint, filed by BJP Pune city president Dheeraj Ghate, alleged that Sapkal’s comment—seen as drawing a comparison between Tipu Sultan and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—had hurt the sentiments of those who revere the Maratha king.

Sapkal had made the statement while addressing the controversy surrounding a portrait of Tipu Sultan displayed in the office of the Malegaon deputy mayor, The Indian Express reported.

BJP workers, led by local leaders, gathered outside Congress Bhavan to protest Sapkal’s remarks, while Congress supporters assembled at the same location in solidarity with their state president. Anticipating trouble, authorities deployed multiple police teams to the area.

The situation escalated around 1 pm, when stone pelting was reported in the vicinity.

Several individuals sustained injuries and some vehicles were damaged during the violence.

“Our teams on the ground have responded to the incident. We are gathering details,” said a senior police officer told the newspaper.