The Indian National Congress on Wednesday, 26 August formally demanded that President Droupadi Murmu dismiss the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh, accusing it of shielding Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah by refusing to sanction his prosecution over remarks made against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The demand came through a letter written by Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari directly to the President.

What Congress Alleged

In his letter, Patwari alleged that the Madhya Pradesh government was extending political patronage to Shah and actively obstructing the judicial process to protect him from accountability. He specifically pointed out that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) — constituted on the directions of the Supreme Court — had sought sanction for prosecution against Shah, but the state government declined to act on it.

Patwari also posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing, 'First, Vijay Shah and now the Mohan government have committed the unpardonable crime of breaking the morale of the country and the army! The BJP government must be immediately dismissed!' He further questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence, asserting that the Army's honour is not the property of any political party but the 'national self-respect of 140 crore Indians.'

The Vijay Shah Controversy: Background

The case originates from comments Minister Vijay Shah made about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi at an event in Mhow in May 2025. The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance of the remarks and ordered the registration of an FIR. Following Supreme Court intervention, an SIT was formed and conducted its investigation, after which it sought permission from the state government to prosecute Shah. Shah has publicly apologised on three separate occasions.

Supreme Court Involvement and Deadline

The Supreme Court had directed the Madhya Pradesh government to decide on granting prosecution sanction by 19 January 2026. After the state failed to comply, the court expressed strong displeasure and ordered a decision within four weeks. The next hearing before the Supreme Court is scheduled for 31 August. Reports indicate the matter was not taken up in the state cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, though the government has yet to issue any official communication on its decision.

BJP's Response

Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal defended the government's approach, stating that decisions are taken only after examining all relevant facts and aspects. 'The government takes decisions only after considering all sides and verifying all the facts. The decisions being taken by the government are well thought out,' Khandelwal said.

Congress's Broader Argument

The Congress contended that the state government's refusal to grant prosecution sanction — while simultaneously extending political cover to Shah — raises serious questions about constitutional propriety. The party argued that protecting a minister who insulted an Army officer amounts to institutional endorsement of that insult, and that the episode exposes what it called the arrogance of the 'double-engine government' in challenging democratic, constitutional, and judicial norms. All eyes are now on the Supreme Court hearing on 31 August, which is likely to determine the next steps in this high-stakes confrontation between the judiciary and the state executive.