Col. Sofiya Qureshi stands tall as minister’s disgraceful remarks bring shame

At a time when India is rallying behind the brave efforts of the armed forces in Operation Sindoor, a deeply insensitive remark by Madhya Pradesh’s Minister Vijay Shah has sparked a storm of condemnation from across the political spectrum. The target of his crude and communal jibe? Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a distinguished Indian Army officer and one of the prominent faces in India’s counter-terror response.

Also Read:SC slams BJP Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah over remarks on Col. Sofiya Qureshi

While the nation unites to celebrate the courage and leadership of officers like Colonel Qureshi, Shah’s speech at a public event in Indore's Raikunda village on May 12 has triggered outrage for all the wrong reasons. Without naming her directly, the minister made a derogatory and gendered reference that was widely seen as targeting Colonel Qureshi’s faith and position. In a crude attempt to project political bravado, Shah said terrorists "undressed our Hindu brothers," and claimed that “Modi ji sent their sister to strip them in return,” a statement that many believe crosses the line of both decency and national interest.

The Supreme Court took swift and strong note of Shah’s conduct. Chief Justice BR Gavai, visibly perturbed, remarked, “What sort of comments are you making? Show some sensibility. Go and apologise in the High Court.” The apex court refused Shah’s plea for interim protection from arrest and declined to stay the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s directive to initiate criminal proceedings against him.

Adding to his embarrassment, criticism hasn’t just come from the Opposition. Even within the BJP, voices of discontent are growing louder. Veteran leader and former CM Uma Bharti condemned the remarks as “disgraceful” and called for Shah’s immediate dismissal. “He has brought shame to the entire nation,” she said.

The High Court, meanwhile, has acted decisively. Terming the remarks a threat to communal harmony, it ordered an FIR against the minister and warned of contempt proceedings if action wasn’t taken promptly.

Despite the uproar, Shah’s damage control efforts have failed to pacify critics. Though he has issued multiple apologies, claiming his remarks were distorted, his justification rings hollow. “Sister Sofiya has brought glory to India… Still, if my words have hurt, I apologise ten times,” he said in a statement that many saw as half-hearted.

This incident has not only brought embarrassment to the BJP but has also spotlighted the urgent need for public representatives to maintain dignity when addressing sensitive national matters. At a time of great military effort and public unity, divisive and reckless speech serves no one, especially not the nation.