Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah was sharply chastised by the Supreme Court over his comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. BR Gavai, the Chief Justice of India, pointed out that it was not right for a minister to make such comments since those occupying government positions should be careful about what they say.
He questioned Mr Shah by saying, “What are the comments that you are making?” Make sure you show some consideration before acting. Apologise at the next appearance in the High Court.
What the minister said received harsh criticism from the Opposition, military veterans, and even some from within the BJP, so the police registered a case against him. The court decided not to put on hold the High Court’s order to begin criminal proceedings.
Even one day won’t be enough for things to happen in your life. You know your rights, and for that reason, interim protection from arrest was denied by the Supreme Court, the decision said. The Supreme Court approved to take up the matter on Friday.
The Controversial Speech
Things began with a controversial public address by the Tribal Welfare Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mr Shah, on May 12 in the Raikunda village in Indore. During his talk in a local event, Mr Shah said things that many people felt were communal, gendered, and derogatory toward Colonel Qureshi, a senior Indian Army officer who now routinely appears in press briefings about Operation Sindoor along with Foreign Secretary Misri and Wing Commander Singh.
He emphasized the fact that 26 people were killed due to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, and contrasted it with what the Indian military did.
He said that Prime Minister Modi authorized sending Colonel Qureshi, or another agent, to Pakistan in order to fight back.
Since the sisters of those terrorists had become widows, Modi ji arranged for a sister from their community to teach them a lesson by stripping them. They stripped their Hindu victims of their clothes before killing them. So, we had their own sister beat them up inside their houses.
Though Mr Shah did not mention Colonel Qureshi by name, what he said and the timing were easy to understand.
High Court Steps In
The Madhya Pradesh High Court in Jabalpur, seeing the case, ordered the Director General of Police to register an FIR against the minister by evening that very day.
In the event that the order was not followed, the court said that contempt charges could be filed.
It was found by the High Court that Mr Shah’s statements were against the law in India and posed a significant risk to peace between religions. It was also decided by the Court that the armed forces display qualities like integrity, discipline, sacrifice, selflessness, character, honour, and indomitable courage better than any other institution in the country.
Political Fallout
The things said by Mr Shah have led many politicians to attack him. The Congress is calling for his removal from office immediately. The party president, Mallikarjun Kharge, said what the prime minister said was shameful and communal and expects immediate action from him.
The President of the Madhya Pradesh Congress, Jitu Patwari, said BJP leaders promote anger and separation, while sharing a clip of Mr Shah’s views and demanding an answer.
Uma Bharti, an earlier Chief Minister and top BJP figure, condemned what Mr Shah said and urged for his dismissal. Ms Bharti said on X that Vijay Shah ji must be removed from office and an FIR must be filed without delay since he has dishonored the whole nation.
Shah further said, “If anyone is hurt by my words, I am ready to apologise 10 times.” He even went on to say, “I respect Colonel Qureshi more than my sister.”
Minister’s Defence
He has said many times that he regrets his comments and claims the way the media reported them was not accurate. Afterward, Mr Shah apologized a number of times to deflate the issue.
By rising above any distinction of caste and religion, Sister Sofhia has helped India with great service. Our sister is not as respected as she is. I praise her for the important role she played in serving the nation. Even in our dreams, we cannot dare to seek to offend her. If what I said has caused difficulties for society and religion, then I am willing to apologise ten times.”
After Comments Against Colonel Qureshi, Minister Gets Support From Colleague
Shortly after the Supreme Court ordered Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah to apologize to the Army officer for what he said, another minister from the state spoke out in support of Shah.
BJP MLA Pratima Bagri felt what Mr Shah said was inappropriate, but he has “clearly apologised” and is keen to offer apologies again and again.
After many people, including Opposition parties, military members, and BJP members, criticized Mr Shah, an FIR was filed against him.
The top court did not order a stay on the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s ruling that Mr Shah should be tried in a criminal case, and turned down his plea for protection from arrest at this time.
Mr Shah’s comment had been misunderstood, she said, and for that he had already apologised.
His words were not suitable for such a situation. He also explained what he meant by his words. Naturally, not all words were used correctly, but no one was intended to be insulted.
He has shown that he regrets what he did. He is capable of apologizing again and again, depending on the circumstance, which shows he means no harm. The statement was presented incorrectly. The minister Vijay Shah has already apologised because the film was shown inaccurately, Ms Bagri said.
The minister gave his views during an address at Indore’s Raikunda village on May 12. The observations were considered by most to be aimed at the community, connected to gender, and condescending to Colonel Qureshi, an important figure in Indian military briefings on Operation Sindoor.
During his speech, Mr Shah mentioned the terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people and described how the Indian Army reacted.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra had sent Colonel Qureshi on a military aircraft in response to the Indian strike.
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