Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah again apologised for his remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, claiming they were made in a moment of patriotic excitement. The apology comes as the Supreme Court deadline for deciding prosecution against him approaches.
With the Supreme Court’s deadline for prosecution nearing, Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah on Saturday once again apologised for his controversial remarks made against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, saying the words were spoken in a moment of “patriotic excitement”.
Speaking to reporters, Shah said he never had any intention to insult a woman officer, the Indian Army, or any community. His fresh apology comes at a time when the Supreme Court of India has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to take a decision on whether sanction should be granted to prosecute him.
On January 19, the Supreme Court had given the state government a two-week deadline to decide on granting sanction for prosecution in connection with Shah’s remarks. After this direction, the Congress party stepped up its attack, demanding Shah’s resignation or removal from the state cabinet.
The controversy dates back to May last year, when a video clip of Shah’s speech at a public programme in Raikunda village of Indore district went viral on social media. The minister had made objectionable comments about Colonel Qureshi during the event, which led to widespread criticism.
Colonel Qureshi had gained national attention for briefing the media during ‘Operation Sindoor’, a military operation carried out by India against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan last year. Her role during the operation was widely appreciated.
Addressing the media on Saturday, Shah said,
“I have said this many times earlier, and I am reiterating it today that I did not intend to insult any woman officer, the Indian Army or any section of society,”.
He further claimed that the words he used did not reflect what he truly felt and said they were spoken in an emotional moment. According to him,
“did not match his feelings”
and were uttered in a
“moment of patriotic excitement and emotion”.
Trying to explain his intent, Shah said,
“The intention behind the mistake must also be seen. You all know that I bore no ill will,”.
He added that he had already apologised several times and was doing so once again with sincerity.
“It is extremely painful for me that such a controversy arose due to a small error on my part. I believe my feelings will be seen in the right context. I have always had immense respect for the Indian Army and will continue to do so,”
Shah said.
The minister also stressed the importance of careful speech by public representatives. He stated that maintaining
“decorum and sensitivity of words”
is extremely important in public life.
Reflecting on the incident, Shah said,
“I have introspected and learned a lesson from this incident. I accept my responsibility. I will exercise control over my speech in the future, and such a mistake will not be repeated. Once again, I sincerely apologise to all citizens hurt by this episode, especially the Indian Army,”.
Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had strongly criticised Shah for making what it described as “derogatory remarks” and using “indecent language” against Colonel Qureshi. Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the High Court directed the police to register an FIR against the minister.
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Following the court’s order, an FIR was registered at Manpur police station under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Vijay Shah currently holds key portfolios in the Madhya Pradesh government, including tribal affairs, public asset management, and Bhopal gas tragedy relief and rehabilitation. With the Supreme Court’s deadline approaching, the state government’s decision on prosecution is now keenly awaited, as political pressure continues to mount.
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