Kunwar Vijay Shah, a BJP minister from Madhya Pradesh, has drawn harsh condemnation for his divisive and disparaging statement about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior Muslim female officer in the Indian Army. Opposition leaders, members of his own party, and public personalities have all responded strongly to his remark, which many have characterised as bigoted and communal.
What Did the BJP Minister Say?
During a government event in Mhow on Monday, Vijay Shah spoke to a cheering crowd and referred to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi in a way that shocked many. He said:
“Modi ji is striving for the society. Those who widowed our daughters (in Pahalgam), we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson.”
He was referring to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam where Indian civilians were targeted. The minister claimed that the terrorists had checked the religion of tourists before killing them. He went on to say:
“Now, Modi ji could not have done the same. So he sent a sister from their society—so that if you widowed our sisters, a sister of yours will come and undress you.”
This was widely understood as an indirect attack on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who played a major role in Operation Sindoor — a successful military operation.
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Public Reaction and Widespread Condemnation
Opposition Leaders React
Several political leaders, including from Shah’s own party, have spoken out against him.
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticized the minister. He reminded the public that this is not the first time women connected to national service have been insulted. He mentioned past harassment of the wife of a martyred naval officer and the daughter of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
“Now a BJP minister is making such indecent remarks about our heroine Sofiya Qureshi,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
- Kharge demanded that Prime Minister Modi immediately sack Shah from his position.
- Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari also demanded Shah’s dismissal, saying:
“If the chief minister fails to sack Shah, it will be seen as the cabinet supporting his communal remarks.”
The Congress party also organized statewide protests calling for Shah’s removal.
Women’s Commission Also Reacts
The National Commission for Women (NCW) condemned the minister’s comments, though it did not name him directly.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said:
“Such statements by responsible people are deeply hurtful and unacceptable. They are an insult to the daughters of the nation who are serving in the armed forces.”
Mayawati Calls Statement ‘Shameful’
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati also expressed outrage. She said the minister’s words were meant to ruin the positive energy and national pride created by the army’s victory in Operation Sindoor.
She stated:
“These disgusting and indecent remarks are truly shameful. Strict action must be taken against the minister, especially because the comment targets a Muslim woman army officer.”
Criticism From Within BJP
Interestingly, BJP senior leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also condemned Shah.
He called Shah a “fool” and said:
“Some people lose their sense in the heat of excitement. His remarks are unacceptable and shameful.”
Naqvi added that Colonel Qureshi’s entire family has served the nation, and she should be honored, not insulted.
Minister Tries to Apologize
After the backlash, Vijay Shah made a public statement saying that if his remarks had hurt any religion or group, he was ready to apologize “ten times.”
However, many say the damage has already been done, and that a simple apology is not enough.
Conclusion
This incident has highlighted the dangers of using religion in political speeches, especially when referring to national heroes like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Many believe that such comments can damage the unity and dignity of the armed forces and the country. Now, all eyes are on the BJP leadership and whether they will take strict action against their own minister.
Source: The New Indian Express
