Andhra Pradesh Congress chief Y.S. Sharmila slams BJP Minister for his remarks on Col. Sofiya Qureshi

APCC president condemns BJP minister's sexist and communal remarks against Indian Army officer, comments on BJP's divisive mindset.

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila on Wednesday (May 14, 2025) slammed Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his “rabidly communal and sexist” remarks about Colonel Sofia Qureshi, the Indian Army officer who, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, had briefed the media through Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.

“Utterly disgraceful and shocking. The BJP leader’s communal and sexist attack on Col. Quereshi isn’t just a slip of the tongue. It reflects the rot within the BJP’s mindset, and the applause from his supporters only establishes it,” she posted on X, asking if this was the New India Mr. Modi and Co. boasted of, where decorated women officers were demeaned with such vile bigotry.

“This isn’t an isolated incident. The BJP’s core thrives on communal polarisation, masking hate with patriotism. They peddle division, pit Indians against each other, and destabilise the fragile fabric of our society, just for the sake of electoral gain,” she said, adding that it’s time India rejected these “troublemakers who damage our unity, dishonour our daughters, and bring shame to our democracy.”