Col Sofiya Qureshi remarks: MP minister Vijay Shah apologises again
Vijay Shah, in a video message, said that he did not intend to hurt the religious sentiments of any community and apologised to the Army
Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah, facing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe for his offensive remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, issued a fresh apology on Friday (May 23), terming his remarks as a “linguistic mistake.”
The minister, in a video message, said that he did not intend to hurt the religious sentiments of any community, offering “sincere apologies” to the Indian Army, “sister Colonel Sofiya” and the people of the country.
‘Immense respect for Army’
Elaborating further, Shah said that in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, he was “deeply saddened and disturbed”. Terming the terror attack that left 26 civilians dead as a “heinous massacre”, he said that he has “immense respect for my nation and for the Indian Army”.
Shah, who is the Tribal Affairs Minister of Madhya Pradesh, also said that his words have hurt the community, religion and countrymen, adding that it was a linguistic mistake.
“The words spoken by me have hurt the community, religion, and countrymen. It was my linguistic mistake,” said Shah.
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‘Apologise with folded hands’
“I sincerely apologise to the entire Indian Army, sister Colonel Sofiya and all the countrymen for the words I said by mistake and I once again apologise with folded hands," he added.
The minister faced severe backlash not only from political parties but also from the top judiciary, over his inappropriate remarks on Colonel Qureshi who came to the limelight along with, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, during the government’s press briefing on Operation Sindoor, earlier said that he was ready to apologise 10 times.
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Earlier apology
The minister had said that Colonel Qureshi brought glory to the country and is “more respected than our own sister” adding that he saluted “her service to the nation.”
Shah also said that he could not even think of insulting Colonel Qureshi even “in our dreams.”
“Still, if my words have hurt the society and religion, then I am ready to apologise ten times," added Shah.
The minister faced flak from the Madhya Pradesh High Court for his remarks. The High Court slammed his remarks as “language of the gutters" and ordered the Madhya Pradesh Police to lodge an FIR against him, following which an FIR was lodged and a three-member SIT was formed.
The minister was also chided by the Supreme Court and refused to stay the High Court’s order.