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Controversial Remarks by MP Minister on Colonel Sofia Qureshi Spark Outrage

A minister in Madhya Pradesh, Vijay Shah, has faced backlash for his controversial comments regarding Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a senior Indian Army officer. His remarks, perceived as derogatory, have led to demands for his resignation from opposition parties and military veterans. Shah attempted to clarify his statements, emphasizing respect for women in the armed forces and expressing regret if his words caused offense. The situation escalated as he linked his comments to a recent terrorist attack, further igniting public outrage. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding military personnel and political discourse in India.
By Narendra Chaudhary | May 14, 2025, 17:36 IST
Controversial Remarks by MP Minister on Colonel Sofia Qureshi Spark Outrage

Minister's Remarks Ignite Controversy

A minister from Madhya Pradesh has made controversial remarks regarding Colonel Sofia Qureshi, which have been interpreted as derogatory towards a senior Indian Army officer frequently seen with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during Operation Sindoor press briefings. Vijay Shah, the BJP leader and Minister for Tribal Welfare, made these comments during a public speech, leading to severe backlash from opposition parties and military veterans.


Call for Minister's Resignation

During an event near Indore, Shah equated Colonel Qureshi's military role to a communal and gender insult towards Pakistan and its people. The Congress party has demanded his immediate removal from the state cabinet. In an attempt to mitigate the situation, Shah has repeatedly apologized, stating, "Sister Sofia has elevated India's name above caste and religion. She deserves more respect than our own sisters. I salute her for her service to the nation. We would never think of disrespecting her. However, if my words have hurt society and religion, I am ready to apologize a hundred times."


Clarification from Vijay Shah

Shah emphasized that his speech should not be interpreted in another context, asserting that he intended to convey respect for women who have avenged their losses alongside the armed forces. He stated that Colonel Sofia Qureshi is even more than a biological sister to him, and he never intended to offend anyone. He expressed his heartfelt apologies if anyone felt hurt by his comments.


Linking Remarks to Terrorist Attacks

In his speech, Shah connected the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 fatalities, to Operation Sindoor. While indirectly referencing Colonel Qureshi, he claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a sister from the terrorists' community in an Indian Air Force aircraft to teach them a lesson and reclaim their dignity.


Shah's Justification for Actions

The BJP leader stated, "Those who erased the sindoor of our sisters in the Pahalgam attack... we avenged them by sending their sister to destroy them. The terrorists stripped our Hindu brothers of their clothes and killed them. In response, Prime Minister Modi sent their sister in an army aircraft to attack their homes. The terrorists made our sisters widows, so Modi ji sent their community's sister to teach them a lesson by stripping them of their dignity."


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