Madhya Pradesh Minister Faces Backlash Over Controversial Remarks
Minister's Apology Amid Controversy
On Tuesday, Vijay Shah, a minister from Madhya Pradesh, issued an apology for his controversial statement regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, where he suggested that India had retaliated against the perpetrators by using 'their own sister', as reported by a local news outlet.
Although Shah did not specify anyone directly, the Congress party claimed that his comments were directed at Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who serves as a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs during discussions about Operation Sindoor.
During an event in Mahu, Shah remarked that those responsible for widowing Indian daughters had been taught a lesson by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, implying that it was done through a member of their own community. He reiterated this statement shortly after making it.
The opposition swiftly condemned Shah's remarks, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge labeling them as “extremely insulting and shameful” towards Colonel Qureshi, urging Prime Minister Modi to take action against the minister.
Kharge emphasized that the terrorists aimed to create division within the country, but the nation stood united during 'Operation Sindoor' in response to the attack.
He further criticized the BJP-RSS mentality as being anti-women, recalling previous instances where the families of victims were targeted online. Kharge pointed out that the wife of a naval officer killed in the Pahalgam attack faced online harassment after appealing for peace.
Shah defended his comments, stating they should not be misconstrued. He expressed that his speech was not intended to offend and praised Colonel Qureshi for her contributions, asserting that she deserves respect beyond familial ties.
He also mentioned his willingness to apologize multiple times if his words had caused any offense to society or religion.
A spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shivam Shukla, remarked that the Congress was exploiting Shah's slip of the tongue for political advantage, urging them not to manipulate such statements for their benefit.