Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah returned to the public eye on Tuesday after a 17-day absence, following a massive political and social backlash over his controversial remarks linked to Operation Sindoor and alleged references to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

Shah visited the home of a rape and murder victim in Khandwa district, marking his first public appearance since he was booked by the Madhya Pradesh Police for his statements made during a public meeting in Mhow on May 11.

During that meeting, Shah had claimed that India had taught a lesson to the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack using their own sister. Though he did not name anyone, it was widely alleged that he was indirectly referring to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the senior Army officer who had conducted media briefings during Operation Sindoor.

The comment drew widespread condemnation from opposition parties, women's groups, civil society organisations, and even voices within the armed forces community. Critics called it misogynistic, disrespectful, and an attempt to politicise national security operations.

The Congress party strongly condemned Shah’s remarks, with leaders demanding his immediate resignation and accusing the BJP government of allowing its ministers to make insensitive and divisive statements for political mileage.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said the statement was an insult to the dignity of women in uniform and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah publicly clarify their stance.

Several ex-army officers also expressed disappointment. A former brigadier who wished to remain anonymous said the reference to a senior officer in such derogatory and gendered terms sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the integrity of the armed forces.

The National Commission for Women reportedly sought an explanation from the minister, and social media erupted with criticism, demanding accountability for remarks perceived as both sexist and communal.

Amid the backlash, Shah had remained absent from public events and government functions for over two weeks, fuelling speculation that the BJP leadership in the state had asked him to lie low until the controversy subsided.

In Khandwa on Tuesday, Shah appeared somber and avoided media questions. He was seen consoling the family members of a young girl who had been raped and murdered in a nearby village. The visit was described by the local administration as part of a ministerial outreach following public outrage over safety and law and order in tribal areas.

Political observers noted the carefully choreographed return of the minister to a setting focused on women’s safety and justice, possibly in an attempt to repair his image after his previous controversial remarks.

A senior BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh, on condition of anonymity, said the party is internally dealing with the issue and will ensure that leaders speak responsibly on matters involving the armed forces and gender.

Vijay Shah has a long political career in Madhya Pradesh, often representing tribal interests and having held various portfolios in the state cabinet over the years. However, this latest controversy could prove to be a major political setback unless managed carefully.

The BJP leadership has not issued a public reprimand so far, but sources within the state unit suggest that party officials are concerned about the impact of the statement on urban and women voters, particularly in the wake of rising national discourse around Operation Sindoor and its aftermath.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who continues to serve in the Army, has not responded publicly to the controversy. However, several veteran groups and women’s rights organisations have expressed solidarity with her and emphasised the need to maintain dignity when referring to members of the armed forces.

As the Ludhiana West assembly bypoll and other regional elections approach, political rhetoric around Operation Sindoor is expected to remain intense. Ministers and leaders are under increased scrutiny for their public remarks, especially those that involve military operations, communal sentiments, or gendered language.

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