After Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah’s derogatory remarks against Indian Army Col Sofiya Qureshi in the context of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan based terrorists, now state’s deputy chief minister has stirred a political storm by making an objectionable comment on the army.
Speaking at a Civil Defense Volunteers event in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda said, “The entire nation, including the country’s army and soldiers, bows at the feet of Prime Minister Modi.” His statement has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition with some accusing him of disrespecting the armed forces.
What MP Deputy CM said?
Commenting on the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam which killed 22 tourists, Devda remarked, “After the attack on tourists in Pahalgam when innocent tourists were brutally murdered after being asked about their religion, and husbands were shot in front of their wives, the entire nation felt deep anger and distress.”
Devda added, “We should thank PM Modi under whose leadership the terrorists’ hideouts were destroyed. The entire country, along with its soldiers, bows at his feet. We will not rest until those who support these terrorists are completely wiped out.”
The MP Opposition has argue that Devda’s comment disrespects the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian armed forces by focusing all praise on the prime minister.
Growing troubles for BJP
Earlier, MP minister Vijay Shah, Vijay Shah, faced backlash over a similar remark and even faced an FIR. Now, Devda’s comments have further complicated matters for the ruling party.
Meanwhile, Opposition parties, including Congress, have demanded an apology from Devda and called his statement an insult to the armed forces. The Opposition has also approached the Governor complained against the deputy CM of undermining national security sentiments. Meanwhile, the BJP has defended Devda and claimed his remarks were taken out of context.