BJP Leader Draws Flak for ‘Communal and Derogatory’ Remark Against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has stoked a massive controversy with his alleged communal and derogatory remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Indian Army officer who recently briefed the nation on Operation Sindoor.

Kunwar Vijay Shah, a senior BJP leader and eight-time MLA reportedly made the contentious remarks on 13 May during a public function in Manpur, near Mhow. While attempting to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during India's recent military action against terror targets across the border, Shah's remarks were widely condemned for their communal tone and perceived disrespect towards the armed forces.

“Modi ji is striving for the society. Those who widowed our daughters [in Pahalgam], we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson,” said Shah. Referring to the religion of the terrorists allegedly involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack, he continued, “Now, Modi ji could not have done the same. So he sent a sister from their society — so that if you widowed our sisters, a sister of yours will come and undress you.”

Although Colonel Sofiya Qureshi along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, conducted official media briefings on Operation Sindoor. The operation, launched on 7 May, targeted multiple terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in response to the killing of 26 civilians in the Pahalgam terror attack.

The minister’s remarks quickly went viral, drawing condemnation from across the political spectrum. Congress strongly criticised the statement, calling it communal, derogatory, and disrespectful to women in uniform.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took a swipe at Shah calling his comments “shameful and vulgar.” “The mentality of the BJP and its ideological source, the RSS, has always been anti-women. First they trolled the wife of a martyred naval officer, then harassed the daughter of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and now such indecent comments about our brave daughter, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi,” said Kharge.

Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafiz demanded Shah’s immediate dismissal, stating, “This is not just offensive to women, but also an insult to our armed forces. He is a repeat offender and must be removed from office.”

State Congress chief Jitu Patwari echoed the demand, saying, “BJP leaders must clarify whether they support his disgraceful mentality or will act against him.”

Amid mounting pressure, Shah was summoned by BJP state organisational secretary Hitanand Sharma for a closed-door meeting. According to party insiders, Shah was reprimanded for his remarks, which risk damaging the party’s image ahead of key political milestones.

Following the meeting, Shah issued an apology: “I belong to a family of martyrs and soldiers. I was emotional because of the Pahalgam incident. I apologise if my words have hurt anyone or any community. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a pride of the nation and like a sister to me,” he said.

However, critics have pointed to Shah’s past controversies involving derogatory comments, especially towards women. In 2013, he was forced to resign after making disparaging remarks about Sadhna Singh Chouhan, wife of then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He was later reinstated, allegedly due to concerns over the BJP’s tribal vote bank in western Madhya Pradesh.