Madhya Pradesh minister and senior BJP leader Vijay Shah landed in hot water after making a controversial statement linking Indian Army officer Colonel Sofia Qureshi to terrorists based on her community. The remarks sparked nationwide outrage, prompting calls for his resignation.
Remarks Spark National Outrage
At a public gathering, Shah made a provocative comparison, saying:
“They (terrorists) killed our Hindu brothers by making them remove their clothes. PM Modi ji responded by sending their (terrorists’) sister in an Army plane to strike them in their houses. They made our sisters widows, so Modi ji sent the sisters of their community to strip them and teach them a lesson.”
The statement was widely condemned as communal and deeply disrespectful, especially towards a decorated officer like Colonel Qureshi, who led briefings during India’s Operation Sindoor.
Public and Political Backlash
Social media users, veterans, and civil society expressed their outrage, demanding an immediate apology. Under growing pressure, Shah issued a public apology, saying:
“If anyone is hurt by my statement, I am ready to apologise ten times. I respect Colonel Qureshi more than my sister.”
However, the apology did little to calm criticism from the opposition.
Congress Demands Removal
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge lashed out at Shah, calling the comment “derogatory, shameful, and cheap.” He praised national unity during Operation Sindoor and called for Shah’s removal from the Madhya Pradesh cabinet.
The MP Congress Committee went further, calling the remarks not just personal but an attack on military honour, national unity, and women’s dignity.
Criticism Within BJP
Shah’s comments didn’t sit well with his own party either. Madhya Pradesh BJP general secretary Hitanand Sharma summoned Shah to the state headquarters in Bhopal and reportedly reprimanded him. Shah also met with state BJP president Vishnu Dutt Sharma.
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Colonel Qureshi: A Decorated Officer
Colonel Sofia Qureshi is a respected figure in the Indian Army. She joined the Army Corps of Signals in 1999 and gained international recognition in 2016 as the first woman officer to lead a multinational military exercise. Her role in Operation Sindoor has further highlighted her leadership and professionalism.
Vijay Shah’s comments have not only stirred political controversy but also brought attention to the dangers of communal rhetoric targeting national heroes. The backlash from across the spectrum underscores the respect Colonel Qureshi commands and the nation’s firm rejection of hate speech, even from those in power.
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