Madhya Pradesh Minister Faces Backlash Over Controversial Remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Apologizes Publicly

Delhi 14 may : A public speech by Madhya Pradesh’s Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah has ignited a storm of controversy after he made remarks widely interpreted as an offensive reference to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a high-ranking Indian Army officer often seen alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during press briefings on Operation Sindoor.

The BJP leader’s comments, made during a gathering near Indore, equated Col Qureshi’s military role with a communal and gendered insult directed at Pakistan and its people. This sparked severe backlash from opposition parties and military veterans, who condemned the remarks as derogatory and insensitive.

In the speech, Shah connected the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, with Operation Sindoor. Referring to Col Qureshi without explicitly naming her, Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent “a sister from their community” to “strip the terrorists of their pride” and teach them a lesson.

He remarked: “Those who made our sisters widows in the Pahalgam terror attack… PM Modi responded by sending their sister in an Indian Air Force plane to strike them. They made our Hindu brothers strip, so the PM sent their sister to teach them a lesson.”

The remarks drew immediate condemnation. Congress leaders, including President Mallikarjun Kharge, criticized Shah’s language as “derogatory” and “shameful,” calling on Prime Minister Modi to remove the Minister from office. Congress accused the BJP of promoting “hate-filled rhetoric” and undermining national unity, military dignity, and the honor of Indian women.

In an attempt to quell the controversy, Shah publicly apologized, saying, “Colonel Sofiya has brought pride to India by transcending caste and religion. She is highly respected, and I salute her for her service. If my words have hurt anyone, I am ready to apologize ten times.” His apology, however, failed to pacify his critics, with many demanding stronger action.

The controversy continues to simmer as the Congress party ramps up its calls for Shah’s immediate removal from the cabinet, accusing the BJP of endorsing divisive and communal rhetoric. The matter has also sparked a larger debate about the responsibility of public figures in ensuring their words do not perpetuate hate or disrespect towards the nation’s military and its women officers.

 

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