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Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah has apologised after facing strong criticism for his disrespectful comment about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Shah, who is a BJP leader and the state’s Tribal Welfare Minister, made a communal and sexist remark about Col Qureshi during a public speech. His comment sparked outrage from opposition parties and army veterans. The Congress party even demanded that he be removed from the cabinet.
This individual, who made offensive and communal remarks, is not an ordinary person but a minister in the Madhya Pradesh government. He has likened Colonel Sofia Qureshi to the sister of terr**orists who ki**ll innocents in Pahalgam. This person has insu*lted the Indian Army.
— Inspiretrail (@_inspiretrail_) May 13, 2025
I… pic.twitter.com/JWLc3OpxUt
Trying to calm the situation, Shah gave multiple apologies. He said, “Sister Sofiya has made the country proud by rising above caste and religion. She is more respected than our own sister. I salute her for serving the nation. We can’t even imagine insulting her. Still, if my words have hurt anyone, I am ready to apologise ten times.”
Vijay Shah’s remark
Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah is facing backlash for making communal and sexist remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi during a public speech.While speaking about the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, Shah said PM Modi sent “a sister from their (terrorists’) community” in an Army aircraft to “destroy them.” He claimed it was a way to take revenge for the killing of Hindu pilgrims.
The video of his speech went viral, drawing strong criticism from opposition parties, army veterans, and social media users. The Congress party demanded Shah’s removal, calling his comments disrespectful and communal.
Col Qureshi has been the face of official briefings on Operation Sindoor, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Shah later apologised, saying, “If my words hurt anyone, I apologise ten times. Col Sofiya brought pride to the nation, and I salute her.”Congress strongly criticised Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah for his comments on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, calling them “cheap, communal, and shameful.” Party president Mallikarjun Kharge said Shah insulted a brave Indian soldier and demanded that PM Modi remove him from the cabinet. Kharge added that during Operation Sindoor, the whole country stood united against terrorism.