Congress party workers staged demonstrations in multiple cities including Indore, Bhopal, Badnawar, and Khandwa to protest controversial remarks made by BJP minister Vijay Shah against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior Muslim female officer in the Indian Army.
During the protests, demonstrators blackened Shah’s nameplates and burned his effigies. Chants of “Modi Murdabad” and “Vijay Shah Murdabad” echoed through the streets as anger mounted over the incident.
Congress Condemns ‘Misogynistic’ and Sectarian Mindset
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticized Shah’s comments, accusing the BJP and RSS of harboring an anti-women and communal mindset. He called for Shah’s immediate removal from office, describing the remarks as indecent, divisive, and a threat to the country’s unity.
Vijay Shah Apologizes Under Pressure
Facing widespread backlash and a summons from the BJP leadership, Vijay Shah issued an apology. He claimed his remarks were taken out of context and expressed deep respect for Colonel Qureshi.
“If my statement caused hurt, I am willing to apologize ten times over,” he said. However, his statement did little to ease public outrage.
Court Orders Immediate FIR Against Minister
The Madhya Pradesh High Court intervened, directing that a First Information Report (FIR) be registered against Shah within four hours. The court noted that his comments not only insulted Colonel Qureshi but also disrespected the Indian Army and could potentially inflame communal tensions.
Profile: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi has served in the Indian Army’s Signals Corps since 1999. She gained nationwide recognition during Operation Sindoor for her media briefings and, in 2016, made history as the first Indian female officer to lead a multinational military exercise.
