Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has come under fire for making objectionable remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a female Army officer, leading to a significant political controversy. On May 13, 2025, Vijay Shah apologized publicly after his comments, which were viewed as derogatory, drew widespread condemnation. The incident began when a video clip of his speech went viral on social media, where Shah, while praising Colonel Qureshi's bravery, made a statement that many found inappropriate. In his apology, Shah clarified that his words were meant to honor Colonel Qureshi’s role in national security, particularly in the context of her actions related to the Pahalgam terror attack. He expressed regret, stating that his comments were taken out of context and that he never intended to hurt anyone.

The controversy escalated further when Congress workers blackened the nameplate at Shah’s bungalow in protest, and party leaders, including Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Jitu Patwari, demanded his immediate resignation. Patwari accused Shah of insulting not only Colonel Qureshi but all women officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The Congress party criticized the remarks, suggesting that they reflected an underlying anti-woman sentiment within the BJP and RSS. Patwari and others in the Congress called for Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to clarify whether the BJP and its cabinet members supported Shah's statement.

Adding to the political pressure, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge weighed in, condemning Shah’s remarks as shameful and insulting. Kharge also linked the incident to previous instances of anti-woman sentiment from BJP figures, including trolling of the wife of a naval officer killed in the Pahalgam terror attack and harassment faced by the daughter of former Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Kharge demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh intervene, seeking clarity on whether Shah should remain in his ministerial role.

Amid the growing fallout, Shah’s remarks have prompted the BJP to act, summoning the minister for clarification. In his defense, Shah reiterated his apology and emphasized that as a patriotic individual with a strong military background, he deeply respected the armed forces and the sacrifices of female officers like Colonel Qureshi.

The incident highlights a significant divide in political opinion, with the BJP attempting to address the controversy while Congress capitalizes on the opportunity to criticize the ruling party for its perceived disregard for women in positions of power. The fallout from this incident is likely to continue, with calls for accountability intensifying. The situation further underscores the sensitive nature of public figures’ statements, especially when discussing figures of national importance like Colonel Qureshi, whose actions have been widely celebrated as part of India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The controversy is not only a local issue in Madhya Pradesh but has become a point of national discussion, with citizens and politicians alike weighing in on the propriety of Vijay Shah’s words and the appropriate response from the government. As the BJP deals with the aftermath, it remains to be seen whether Shah will face any further consequences for his remarks, and whether the opposition's calls for his resignation will gain traction within the state's ruling party.

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