Calls for strict action to protect the dignity of the Armed Forces and national unity
On Wednesday, May 14, Lucknow, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati strongly condemned the alleged objectionable remarks made by Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior Army officer. She termed the comments “deeply saddening and shameful” and urged the central government to take stringent action to prevent communal discord and protect the honour of the Armed Forces.In a post on social media platform X, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, “First the Foreign Secretary and now a woman officer of the Army have been subjected to disgusting, indecent, and inappropriate remarks. This is an attempt to destroy the positive atmosphere of enthusiasm and pride prevailing across the country over the success of Operation Sindoor carried out by the Indian Army against Pakistan. This is extremely painful and shameful.”
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi was one of the prominent faces during press briefings on Operation Sindoor, alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. The operation was India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
In a follow-up post, Mayawati emphasized the communal undertone of the remarks. “The indecent comment made by a senior Madhya Pradesh minister regarding a Muslim woman Army spokesperson should be taken very seriously. The BJP and the central government must take strict action against him so that the malicious intentions of the enemy fail and the country's communal harmony and unity are not disturbed,” she said.
Congress Joins Criticism, Demands Minister's Resignation
Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai also strongly criticized Vijay Shah, stating that the minister's comments were an insult to womanhood, the Indian Army, and the spirit of unity.“By insulting a brave woman officer of the Indian Army, Colonel Sofia Qureshi, Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah has hurt the honour of women's power, the armed forces, and our unity,” Rai posted on X.
He accused Shah of harbouring a “petty and disgusting mindset” and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi seek his resignation or remove him from office. “Otherwise, it will be seen as Modi's silent approval of this vile statement,” Rai added.
Rai further stated that the remarks align with the BJP and RSS's “history of misogyny and hate.” The Congress party also circulated a video in which Shah is allegedly heard saying, “Jinhone humari betiyon ke sindoor ujade the… humne unhiki behen bhej kar ke unki aisi ki taisi karwayi” (those who wiped sindoor off our daughters' foreheads... we sent their sister to teach them a lesson).
Minister Issues Conditional Apology
Reacting to the controversy, Vijay Shah told reporters, “If my words have hurt society and religion, then I am ready to apologise ten times.”The issue has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many demanding accountability and urging political leaders to refrain from making communal or misogynistic remarks, especially involving members of the armed forces.
