Did MP Minister Vijay Shah Misstep with His Remarks on Col Sofiya Qureshi?

Bhopal, May 23 (NationPress) Senior BJP figure and Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah has recently issued a new apology following his controversial comments about Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, which ignited widespread outrage across the nation.

In a video shared on his social media platform (X), the minister expressed that his earlier statement, which offended many, was a “linguistic mistake,” asserting that he never intended to harm anyone's feelings, regardless of their individual, caste, or religious identity.

“I hold immense respect for the Indian Armed Forces and never aimed to offend anyone. My statement was a regrettable error that upset the sentiments of the people of India. I sincerely apologize to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Indian Armed Forces, and every citizen of our country,” Vijay Shah stated.

In addition to his video apology, Shah also submitted a written apology on official letterhead from the Tribal Welfare Department, reiterating the sentiments expressed in his video.

This renewed apology came just three days after the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, convened a special meeting at the historic Rajwada Palace in Indore, where Vijay Shah was notably absent.

The apology also arrives a week ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to Madhya Pradesh, where he is set to address a large assembly of women at Bhopal's Jamboori Maidan on May 31.

Meanwhile, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), operating under the oversight of the Supreme Court, has begun examining Vijay Shah's comments made during a program in Mhow on May 11, when he discussed 'Operation Sindoor.'

A senior police officer in Indore informed reporters on Friday that all relevant documents and evidence related to the incident have been submitted to the SIT, which comprises three senior IPS officers.

The SIT is expected to present its findings to the Supreme Court on May 28.

Previously, on May 19, the Supreme Court mandated the creation of a special investigation team to investigate the allegations against Vijay Shah, who is confronting significant legal challenges due to his controversial remarks about Colonel Qureshi.

In a minor relief for the state minister, a bench led by Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh decided to stay his arrest while instructing him to cooperate with the investigation.

However, the Justice Kant-led bench was not swayed by Shah’s apology, categorically dismissing it.

“He must face consequences. Let the law take its course,” the bench remarked.

The Madhya Pradesh Minister has filed a petition with the Supreme Court opposing a directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court that mandated the registration of an FIR against him concerning his inappropriate remarks.

The Justice Kant-led bench had previously been unable to address Vijay Shah’s special leave petition (SLP) and, upon the petitioner’s request, scheduled a hearing for May 19.

Moreover, when Shah's attorney sought an expedited hearing of his SLP before the apex court, a bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai criticized the minister for his inappropriate statements.

“What kind of remarks are you (Shah) making? A person in a constitutional role is expected to exhibit restraint. Every statement made by a minister should be responsible,” it stated.

In response, senior advocate Vibha Dutta Makhija, representing Shah, claimed that the media exaggerated the minister’s comments and emphasized that Shah had already apologized.