BJP Minister Apologizes After Comparing Indian Army’s Col. Sofia Qureshi to Terrorists Amid Backlash
The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter, describing Shah's language as "gutter language"
Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah faced severe backlash after making controversial remarks comparing Indian Army officer Colonel Sofia Qureshi to terrorists.
During a public event in the Indore district, Shah said, “Those who widowed our daughters, we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson,” indirectly referring to Col Qureshi as “sister of the same community” as terrorists.
This statement sparked outrage across political parties and the public, as it was seen as derogatory towards a respected army officer who had played a key role in military briefings on Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
This is a BJP MLA from Madhya Pradesh, Kunwar Vijay Shah.
In this speech referring to Colonel Sofia Qureshi , he is saying that “ Modiji sent the Pakistanis their own sister to teach them a lesson”
Colonel Qureshi made India proud, roared like a lioness for India and this the… pic.twitter.com/EBHuQ3ycvd
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) May 13, 2025
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
Following the controversy, Vijay Shah issued multiple apologies, stating he was ashamed and saddened by his words, which hurt the sentiments of various communities. He clarified that he respects Colonel Qureshi more than his own sister and that his intentions were misunderstood. He also called her “our country’s sister” who rose above caste and society while fulfilling her national duty.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter, describing Shah’s language as “gutter language” and directed the police to register an FIR against him under sections related to promoting enmity and endangering national unity.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, reprimanded Shah for his remarks, emphasizing the need for public servants to maintain decorum and responsibility, especially during sensitive national situations. The court scheduled the next hearing for May 16, 2025.
Shah was also reprimanded within his party by BJP’s Madhya Pradesh general secretary and faced demands from opposition leaders for his removal from the cabinet.
The controversy highlighted the intolerance for intemperate political rhetoric against serving members of the armed forces and underscored the respect commanded by Colonel Sofia Qureshi as a decorated and pioneering Indian Army officer.
The Indian opposition also slammed Shah and demanded his immediate removal from the MP’s cabinet.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said: “A minister of the BJP government of Madhya Pradesh has made a very derogatory, shameful and cheap remark about our brave daughter Colonel Sofia Qureshi.”
“The terrorists of Pahalgam wanted to divide the country, but the country was united during entire ‘Operation Sindoor’ to give a befitting reply to the terrorists,” Kharge posted on X.
