New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah has triggered controversy after his alleged remarks involving Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who was one of the faces of ‘Operation Sindoor’ against terror bases in Pakistan.
The comments that were made during a public address, has drawn widespread criticism with the opposition Congress demanding Vijay Shah’s resignation for insulting Col Sofiya.
What Vijay Shah said
Speaking at a rally recently, Minister Vijay Shah said, “Those who desecrated the sindoor of our daughters, we sent their own sisters (Sofiya Qureshi) to teach them a lesson.” Local MP and Union Minister Savitri Thakur, along with MLA Usha Thakur were present on stage, when Shah made the objectionable remarks.
यह बेशर्म आदमी मध्यप्रदेश की BJP सरकार का मंत्री विजय शाह है
अब इसकी घटिया बात सुन लीजिए
हमारी सेना की जांबाज़ बेटियों को आतंकवादियों की बहन बता रहा है
कह रहा है कि मोदी जी कपड़े उतार नहीं सकते थे इसलिए मोदी जी ने आतंकियों के समाज की बहन को भेजा यह काम करने
हिन्दुस्तान की… pic.twitter.com/PyhAsUj4Sy
— Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) May 13, 2025
The statement considered deeply offensive and communal has created a stir drawing sharp reactions from the opposition.
Congress demands Shah’s resignation
Reacting on the issue, the Congress has called for Vijay Shah’s immediate removal from the MP cabinet. Senior Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar and party spokesperson Abbas Hafiz, have strongly condemned Shah’s remarks.
“Shah’s remarks directed at Colonel Sofiya Qureshi are highly objectionable and crosses the line of decency and communal harmony. The BJP must decide if the family of a former Chief Minister is important to them than the dignity of an Indian Army officer,” said Abbas Hafiz.
Shah had previously made controversial statements about a former Chief Minister’s family.
“Insult to Indian Army and women”
Leader of Opposition in MP Assembly, Umang Singhar, also termed Shah remarks as an insult to both the Indian Army and women.
“A soldier’s only identity is their nation, not their religion. Shah’s comments not only undermine the spirit of our armed forces but also expose the deeply divisive politics of the BJP,” Singhar said, demanding an immediate public apology from Shah.
Pressure on BJP
Shah’s remarks have placed the ruling BJP in a tight spot. With increasing calls for his resignation, the party now faces a critical choice to stand by Shah or take a firm stand against his controversial statement.
Vijay Shah issues clarification
After the controversial statement, MP Minister Vijay Shah has issued a clarification.
Clarifying his stance, Vijay Shah said, “My words are being seen in the wrong context. Our Prime Minister has responded to those who tried to harm our sisters in their own language. Do not take my speech out of context. If you are interpreting it differently, I want to make it clear that my statement is not in that context. Our sisters, along with the army, have taken a strong stand and avenged the wrongs done to them.”
