New Delhi: In the wake of recent controversial remarks by senior BJP leaders that triggered widespread outrage and political backlash, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern advisory during a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting held in Delhi on Sunday. Addressing chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of NDA-ruled states, PM Modi emphasised the importance of restraint in public statements, warning party leaders against making off-the-cuff remarks.
According to reports, the Prime Minister, clearly irked by recent developments, said, “Avoid speaking anything, anywhere.” The message was aimed at reining in leaders whose statements have landed the party in political trouble, especially in light of sensitive national security matters and ongoing judicial proceedings.
Remarks on Operation Sindoor
The warning comes after two BJP leaders — Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah and Haryana’s Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra — made controversial statements that sparked national outrage and invited sharp criticism from opposition parties.
Vijay Shah, a minister from Madhya Pradesh, made derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had represented the Army during briefings on Operation Sindoor. His comments were perceived as communal and disrespectful, prompting the Supreme Court to take serious note. Shah later released a video apology, calling his remarks a “linguistic mistake” and extending an unqualified apology without the usual “if anyone is hurt” caveat. The apex court had earlier dismissed his initial apology as “crocodile tears”.
Ceasefire after diplomatic outreach by Pakistan
Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra stirred further controversy with insensitive remarks about the women who lost their husbands in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking at an event in Haryana, Jangra said the victims lacked the “warrior spirit” and died “with folded hands”. He suggested that if they had received training under central government schemes, they might have resisted the terrorists. His comments drew strong condemnation across the political spectrum.
Speaking further, the PM also clarified that the ceasefire following Operation Sindoor was a strategic decision taken in response to diplomatic outreach by Pakistan and was in no way influenced by external pressure or political calculations.
