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Controversy Surrounds Madhya Pradesh Minister’s Remarks About Colonel Sofia Qureshi
Vijay Shah, a senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh minister, has come under intense scrutiny for his comments regarding Indian Army officer Colonel Sofia Qureshi. He controversially referred to her as "a sister of the same community as terrorists," igniting public outrage.
In the wake of the backlash, Shah acknowledged the criticism and expressed his willingness to apologize to anyone hurt by his remarks. He emphasized his respect for Colonel Qureshi, saying he holds her in higher regard than his own sister, according to reports from the Hindustan Times.
The controversial statements arose during a gathering where Shah spoke about India’s Operation Sindoor. He made remarks implying a link between terrorists and the community he associated them with, stating that Prime Minister Modi had retaliated against terrorists responsible for heinous acts against Hindus by sending their "sisters" in military aircraft to confront them.
The backlash against Shah has been fierce, not only from the opposition but also from within his own party. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned Shah’s remarks, labeling them as "derogatory and shameful." He stressed that the collective response during Operation Sindoor reflected India’s unity against terrorism.
Further, the MP Congress Committee criticized Shah’s comments as a direct attack on the dignity of the armed forces, national unity, and women’s honor.
Colonel Sofia Qureshi made history in 2016 when she became the first woman officer to lead a multinational military exercise after joining the Indian Army Corps of Signals in 1999.
Shah has faced censure not only from opposition parties but also from BJP leaders. He was reportedly called to meet with Madhya Pradesh BJP General Secretary Hitanand Sharma for a reprimand following the outcry.
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