Should BJP Demand Vijay Shah's Resignation Over Col Qureshi Comments?

Mumbai, May 20 (NationPress) Shiv Sena-UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi has urged the BJP to take firm action by demanding the resignation of Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah due to his offensive comments regarding Army officer, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

This call for action follows a Supreme Court directive on Monday, which mandated the establishment of a special investigation team (SIT) to look into the allegations against Shah. His remarks have been deemed by legal experts as both communal and inflammatory. While the court has temporarily stayed Shah’s arrest, it has instructed him to fully cooperate with the ongoing inquiry.

The controversy arose when the minister referred to Colonel Qureshi as the 'sister of terrorists', a statement that incited significant public outrage and triggered legal action. Since the registration of a case against him by the Madhya Pradesh Police on May 14, Shah has notably shunned public appearances.

In an interview with IANS, Chaturvedi expressed disappointment over the absence of accountability within the BJP party.

"It would be a commendable decision if the BJP - the party that has backed him - took steps to hold him accountable," she stated.

"The High Court acknowledged the need for action and criticized the dilution of the initial FIR. Even the Supreme Court has reprimanded him. Yet, the BJP remains silent instead of demonstrating moral leadership. Ministers who disrespect our courageous Army personnel must be held responsible. If the BJP aims to convey a cohesive message to the nation, they should demand Shah’s resignation."

Conversely, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam presented a more tempered viewpoint.

"The minister did apologize, acknowledging that his statement regarding Colonel Sofiya Qureshi was inappropriate. While I believe the government should adhere to judicial processes and act accordingly, I also think he deserves some benefit of the doubt for expressing remorse," Nirupam told IANS.

During the hearing on Monday, a bench led by Justice Surya Kant voiced strong disapproval of Shah’s behavior and dismissed his apology, stating, “He must face consequences. Let the law take its own course.” This statement underscored the seriousness of the minister’s comments.

The BJP leader has been charged under Sections 152 (Acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), 196 (1)(b) (promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, language, or other characteristics), and 197(1)(c).

The opposition Congress has intensified calls for Shah’s dismissal, accusing the BJP of protecting a minister whose statements have not only shamed the state government but also disrespected the armed forces.

In discussing Operation Sindoor, Shah reportedly stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a 'sister from the same community' as those in Pakistan to retaliate for the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam. "PM Modi is dedicated to society. We sent a sister of their own to deliver justice to those who have widowed our daughters (in Pahalgam)," Shah had remarked.

The offensive remarks against Colonel Qureshi, an Indian Army officer who briefed the media throughout Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, ignited nationwide condemnation. Following the incident, the minister apologized sincerely, stating he respects the armed forces and referred to Colonel Qureshi as 'sister'.