Bhopal: The Minister for Tribal Affairs of Madhya Pradesh, Vijay Shah, who is under fire for his disparaging remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi issued a video apology. The leader is facing a Supreme Court ordered enquiry for the remarks he made against the soldier, who played an important part in India’s anti-terror operation against Pakistan, ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Remarks a ‘linguistic mistake’: Shah
Shah termed his remarks a ‘linguistic mistake’. The Minister issued a video on social media platform, ‘X’, 5 days before a SIT probe report is to be submitted in the Supreme Court, on May 28. In the video, he can be heard saying that he “did not intend to hurt any community” and that he has “sincerely apologized” to the entire Indian Army, sister Colonel Sofiya and all the countrymen.”
मेरा आशय किसी भी धर्म, जाति एवं समुदाय को ठेस पहुँचाने, आहत करने का नही था, मैं भूलवश अपने द्वारा कहे गये शब्दो के लिये पूरी भारतीय सेना से, बहन कर्नल सोफिया से, एवं समस्त देशवासियो से पूरी तरह से क्षमा प्रार्थी हूँ और पुनः हाथ जोडकर माफी माँगता हूँ।
आपका
कुंवर विजय शाह— Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah (@KrVijayShah) May 23, 2025
Shah explained that he has been very disturbed these past few days, due to the Pahalgam terror attack. He claimed to have a lot of love for his country and respect for The Army.
The Minister further said that his intention was not to hurt or offend any religion, caste or community. This was a linguistic mistake by me, he added. He further said, “I sincerely apologize to the entire Indian Army, Sister Colonel Sophia and all the countrymen for the words I said inadvertently and once again with folded hands I apologize”
The apology came days after a SC rap over his initial apology, where he had used the words, “if anyone is hurt”. The apex court had termed his words as “crocodile tears”. The Minister has avoided public appearances ever since he made the remarks against the Colonel on May 11.
Apart from the SC-initiated enquiry, Shah is also facing a complaint/FIR at the Manpur Police Station of Indore, filed on the directions of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The High Court had earlier described the remarks made by the BJP leader as “gutter language”.
BJP in dilemma over action against Shah
Meanwhile the BJP is in a dilemma over whether Shah should be removed from the Cabinet with immediate effect or should they wait for the SIT report to be submitted in SC, before taking any action against him. They also are thinking about giving him another chance. They are not able to decide what will be more damaging, letting him go or keeping him in the Ministry.
The BJP will have to come to a decision soon, as PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Bhopal on May 31. He will be addressing a Women’s Empowerment Maha Sammelan in the city, to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The entire responsibility for the event has been given to women members and when such an event is being organised, the BJP surely does not want to be seen being associated with or not taking action against someone who has insulted and disrespected a woman Army officer, that is Vijay Shah.
