Madhya Pradesh BJP Minister sparks row with remarks on Col. Sofiya Qureshi; party’s State unit says ‘no one has right to say anything’
The Hindu
Madhya Pradesh BJP leader faces backlash for controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, sparking demands for his removal.
Madhya Pradesh BJP leader and State Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah landed in trouble after making controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who conducted regular media briefings regarding Operation Sindoor, India’s strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.
“Those people (terrorists) who had wiped out the sindoor (vermilion) of our sisters (in the Pahalgam terror attack)... we avenged these people by sending their sister to destroy them. They (terrorists) killed our Hindu brothers. PM Modi ji responded by sending their (terrorists’) sister in an Army plane to strike them in their houses. They (terrorists) made our sisters widows, so Modiji sent the sister of their community to strip them and teach them a lesson”, Mr. Shah said while addressing a gathering in Ramkunda village near Indore.
Several Opposition leaders slamed the Minister for his objectionable remarks and demanded his sacking.
“Sister Sophia has brought glory to India by rising above caste and religion. She is more respected than our own sister. I salute her for her service to the nation. We cannot even think of insulting her in our dreams. Still, if my words have hurt society and religion, then I am ready to apologise ten times,’‘ Mr. Shah said.
Amid the row, Madhya Pradesh BJP president V.D. Sharma on Wednesday (May 14, 2025) said that the party took note of Mr. Shah’s remarks and warned him about the matter.
He emphasised that the party leadership is very sensitive and no one has the right to say anything.
“The leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party is very sensitive. If any such incident happens, then the BJP immediately holds a proper discussion which is required on the issue. Our leadership took cognisance of the matter and he was immediately warned about the matter. No one has the right to say anything, that sister (Colonel Sofiya Qureshi) is the daughter of the country and the entire nation salutes the might she has done,” Mr. Sharma told reporters.
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