India, Feb. 16 -- Amid the ongoing row over his remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is criticising his statements to divert attention from basic issues and the contents of the Epstein files.

The state Congress chief drew massive fire from the BJP for equating Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the 18th-century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan on account of their bravery.

Sapkal on Sunday said he has already clarified his earlier statement, alleging that the BJP wants to play mischief.

"The BJP is spewing venom in connection with my statement. I want to humbly and with equal pride tell them in clear words here that they do not need to t...