Vijay Shah, Madhya Pradesh's Tribal Welfare Minister and a senior BJP leader, has sparked widespread criticism following remarks made about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a high-ranking Indian Army officer prominently involved in Operation Sindoor. The comments were made during a public address near Indore and have drawn condemnation from opposition leaders, veterans, and civil society groups.
During his speech, Vijay Shah referenced the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead and connected it to Operation Sindoor. In his address, he said, 바카라Those people (terrorists) who had wiped out the sindoor (vermilion) of our sisters (in the Pahalgam terror attack)바카라 We avenged these 'kate-pite' people by sending their sister to destroy them. 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 (terrorists) made our sisters widows, so Modiji sent the sister of their community to strip them and teach them a lesson.바카라 The speech was recorded and shared online by Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari on May 13, 2025.
The comments, interpreted by many as a communal reference to Colonel Qureshi's religion, drew immediate backlash. Responding to the criticism, Shah issued an apology the same evening. In a statement to ANI, he said, 바카라Sister Sofiya has brought glory to India by rising above caste and religion. She is more respected than our own sister. I salute her for her service to the nation. We cannot even think of insulting her in our dreams. Still, if my words have hurt society and religion, then I am ready to apologise ten times.바카라
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi has been prominently seen during press briefings on Operation Sindoor alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Her role in the operation has been widely acknowledged, making her one of the key military figures representing India바카라s response to the Pahalgam attack.
The Indian National Congress condemned Shah바카라s remarks. Party President Mallikarjun Kharge took to X on May 13, 2025, stating, 바카라A minister of the BJP government of Madhya Pradesh has made a very derogatory, shameful and cheap remark about our brave daughter Colonel Sofia Qureshi. The terrorists of Pahalgam wanted to divide the country, but the country was united during the entire 'Operation Sindoor' to give a befitting reply to the terrorists.바카라
Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari also posted the video of Shah바카라s speech and accused the BJP of endorsing divisive rhetoric. In his post, he described Shah바카라s comments as 바카라an attack on national unity, military dignity and the honour of Indian women.바카라
The BJP has not yet issued an official statement regarding the controversy. Meanwhile, demands for Shah바카라s resignation from the state cabinet continue to grow. Colonel Qureshi has not responded publicly to the remarks.
