Why Did Vijay Shah Finally Attend the MP Cabinet Meeting?

Synopsis
Vijay Shah's return to the MP cabinet meeting after a controversial absence sparked criticism from the Congress party. With tensions surrounding his remarks about Colonel Sofia Qureshi, the event highlighted his isolated status within the cabinet and the ongoing scrutiny of his role in the Tribal Affairs Ministry.
Key Takeaways
- Vijay Shah's attendance raised eyebrows.
- The Congress party condemned the Chief Minister's decision.
- Shah's public presence remains scrutinized.
- Financial aid for sports and cultural initiatives was announced.
- The event highlighted issues in the Tribal Affairs Ministry.
Bhopal, June 10 (NationPress) After missing three consecutive special cabinet meetings due to his contentious remarks regarding Colonel Sofia Qureshi, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah made his return to a cabinet meeting in Bhopal on Tuesday.
The opposition strongly criticized Shah's attendance at the meeting.
The Congress party condemned Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for permitting Shah to be present, stating, "This shows a lack of respect towards Army official Colonel Sofia Qureshi. Shah's participation in today's cabinet highlights that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and the BJP have been protecting Vijay Shah since the onset of the controversy surrounding his derogatory comments," said Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson Abhinav Barolia.
Shah made his first public appearance at the 'Janjatiya Kol Sammelan' in Beohari, a tehsil town in Shahdol district, on Monday. There, he shared the stage with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, and other notable figures. The event was organized to honor Birsa Munda, a celebrated hero of India's tribal community.
Interestingly, Shah’s image was noticeably absent from the promotional banners and posters for the conference. While images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav were prominently displayed, Shah's lack of representation was evident despite his ministerial role.
His demeanor at the event seemed subdued, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny he faces. Upon the Chief Minister's arrival, Shah greeted him with a bouquet before stepping aside.
Seated to the right of the Chief Minister on stage, with Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla on the left, Shah appeared quite isolated, as Yadav seemed disinterested in engaging with him.
Despite attempts to converse with the Chief Minister, Shah received only brief and formal replies.
During the event, Yadav announced financial support for local sports and cultural organizations. Sixteen football teams from Vicharpur, a village known as "Mini Brazil" for its strong football culture, were awarded Rs 10 lakh, while nine musical instrument teams received Rs 5,000 each.
Following the program, football kits were distributed to players from Vicharpur to foster sports development in tribal communities.
CM Yadav also instructed Shah to oversee the construction of a 100-seater hostel with full amenities. Shah remained in the background as CM Yadav proceeded to shower flowers on women and girls from the community. He did not partake in significant ceremonies such as lamp lighting, garlanding, or Kanya Pujan, further underscoring his diminished role.
Despite the event being organized by the Tribal Affairs Ministry, Shah was conspicuously absent from the list of speakers.