Echoing State Congress leaders and workers’ sentiments, All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge has raised the issue of controversial statements recently made by State BJP leader Minister Vijay Shah and Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda. Rebuking the ruling party in a post in Hindi on X, Kharge said, “MP Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda insulted our brave army. MP Minister Vijay Shah made lewd comments on our brave Colonel, but has not been sacked to date.” During a gathering in Raykundda village promoting ‘Halma’, a tribal tradition of collective labour and community participation, Minister Shah had said, “Those who wiped sindoor off our daughters’ forehead... we sent their sister to teach them a lesson,” referring to Operation Sindoor.

 

His statement stirred controversy. Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh had briefed the media alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Operation Sindoor. The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance of Shah’s remarks within 24 hours, ordering an FIR against him. The Manpur police had on May 14 registered an FIR against Shah. The issue later reached the Supreme Court, which strongly reprimanded Shah and directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter. Since then, Shah is trying to make the things easy and extending apology.

 

On Friday the accussed minister issued a fresh apology for his objectionable remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, calling it a ‘linguistic mistake’, and said he did not intend to offend any religious community. In a video message, the minister, who is already facing a probe for his contentious comments said, “Sincerely apologised to the entire Indian Army, sister Colonel Sophia and all the countrymen. I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the heinous massacre that took place in Pahalgam a few days ago. I have always had immense love for my nation and respect for the Indian Army.” Congress President claimed the BJP has taken no action against Shah and Devda.