Why is PM Modi's Bhopal Visit Under Fire from Congress?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress criticizes BJP for Minister Shah's comments.
- Rising crime against women in Madhya Pradesh highlighted.
- Expectations for PM Modi to address these issues.
- Political misuse of public events raised by Congress.
- Infrastructure developments planned during Modi's visit.
Bhopal, May 30 (NationPress) Just one day prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Madhya Pradesh, the Congress party has renewed its criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, particularly targeting Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah for his derogatory comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
In a coordinated political assault on the BJP, Congress leaders held a press conference and penned open letters to PM Modi, questioning why Minister Vijay Shah, whose statements about Colonel Qureshi have been labeled as "gutter" and "crass" by the courts, remains a part of the state Cabinet.
State Congress President Jitu Patwari, in his letter to PM Modi, highlighted data from the NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau), revealing that Madhya Pradesh has witnessed the highest rates of crime against women in recent years.
Patwari noted that three major cities—Bhopal, Indore, and Gwalior—are classified as red zones concerning crime against women.
He expressed the expectation that during the rally honoring Ahilyabai Holkar, PM Modi would address the situation regarding Vijay Shah from the Jamboree Maidan in Bhopal.
"While the Congress supports initiatives for women empowerment and the recognition of women, it is crucial that this event, funded by public resources, is not leveraged for political ends," Patwari stated, mentioning that the financial burden on the Madhya Pradesh government has already surpassed Rs 4.21 lakh crore.
In a separate correspondence, senior Congress leader and former Minister P.C. Sharma remarked that Minister Vijay Shah referred to Colonel Qureshi, who has brought pride to the nation, as the "sister of terrorists."
Sharma also called for action against a Turkey-based company awarded the contract for fare collection at the soon-to-be-launched Indore Rail Metro.
"We hope that when the Prime Minister honors Ahilyabai Holkar at Jamboree Maidan, he will also address Vijay Shah's offensive remarks about Colonel Qureshi," Sharma wrote in his letter to PM Modi.
On Saturday, PM Modi will participate in a 'Mahila Sashaktikaran Maharashtra Sammelan' (Women Empowerment Mega Rally) to mark the 300th birth anniversary of the legendary queen Ahilyabai Holkar at Bhopal's Jamboree Maidan.
During this event, the Prime Minister will perform the virtual bhoomi-pujan for the construction of ghats along the Kshipra River, part of the preparations for Simhastha-2028.
Additionally, he will unveil a commemorative postage stamp, a Rs 300 coin, and a postal stamp dedicated to Ahilyabai Holkar, along with virtually inaugurating two airports and the Indore Railway Metro.