Madhya Pradesh BJP Minister sparks row with remarks on Col. Sofiya Qureshi; party’s State unit says ‘no one has right to say anything’

While Madhya Pradesh BJP chief V.D. Sharma said that the party has taken cognisance of the issue, he remained silent when asked about action against the Minister

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.

However, Mr. Sharma maintained silence when asked about action against the Minister for the remarks.

Meanwhile, Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), on Wednesday (May 14, 2025) slammed remarks against Col. Qureshi saying that such statements were “unfortunate” and urged everyone to adopt a respectful language towards women.

In a post on X, she said: “It is extremely unfortunate that such statements are being made by some responsible persons which are derogatory and unacceptable towards women. This not only hurts the dignity of women in our society but is also an insult to the daughters of the nation who are playing an important role in the security of the country.”

“Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a proud daughter of this nation, a sister of all Indians, who has served the country with courage and dedication. It is the responsibility of all of us to respect her hard work, dedication and leadership skills. The entire country is proud of brave women like Colonel Sofiya and such derogatory statements against her should be strongly condemned,” she added, without directly referring to Mr. Shah’s remarks.

(With agency inputs)

Published - May 14, 2025 02:06 pm IST