Will Madhya Pradesh Minister Resign Over Crass Remarks? What BJP Sources Tell Us
Communal comments by Minister Vijay Shah have led the opposition Congress to demand his ouster.
Bhopal:
Although the opposition in Madhya Pradesh demands to know why Vijay Shah was not dropped as minister after his uncouth comments against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, sources in the ruling BJP reveal that any action on the fate of the tribal leader will be decided only after May 28. On May 28, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the case will present its report to the Supreme Court.
Mr Shah’s public comments, which were making national headlines and invited stern criticism from the highest court, have led the opposition Congress to call for his ouster. While the Mohan Yadav government was marking the 300th birthday of Malwa queen Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, Congress leader Bhupendra Gupta had a dig.
“CM saab, there was empowerment of women in the time of Devi Ahilya. In the special cabinet meeting held on her 300th birth anniversary, at least keep away her minister who had insulted a female army officer and disrespected the Army,” he wrote in an X post.
State Congress President Jitu Patwari targeted the BJP and questioned when the BJP would remove its “foul-mouthed” leader. “The real issue now is the face and character of the BJP! Will @BJP4MP only remove its foul-mouthed leader when the court orders it? The arrogant BJP, blinded by power, must remember – this country will reject authoritarianism and will continue to run on democratic and constitutional values,” he said.
BJP sources claimed, however, that the Supreme Court order safeguards Mr Shah from arrest, and hence there was no possibility of his removal now. “The government already made it clear that it would comply with whatever the court order will be. So any action about Vijay Shah will be decided after the SIT submits the report on May 28,” a source claimed.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will preside over a cabinet meeting in Indore today. Sources say that Mr Shah is not expected to attend the meeting and was not given the agenda either. The sources further stated that the minister is in Delhi to discuss his political future with the party high command.
The Madhya Pradesh minister became a talking point after a viral clip of him making derogatory comments on Colonel Qureshi during a public event. Mr Shah had commented on the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 innocents lost their lives. “They stripped Hindus naked and killed them, and Modi ji sent their sister to repay the favour. We were not able to strip them naked, so we sent a daughter belonging to their community. You widowed sisters belonging to our community, so a sister belonging to your community will strip you naked,” the Tribal Affairs minister said, addressing the senior Army officer.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court noted the comment and directed the registration of an FIR. The court termed “sister of terrorists” comment to impact religious harmony and observed that such comments can create a notion that, regardless of someone‘s service to the country, one might be treated derogatorily just on the grounds of religion. After the furore over his comments, the minister regretted and stated that he had greater respect for Colonel Qureshi than for his sister.
When Mr Shah went to the Supreme Court seeking relief, it dismissed his apology and directed Madhya Pradesh police to establish an SIT to probe the case against him. The court informed the minister that his apology was not genuine.
“What apology is this? What kind of apology have you made? There must be some sense of apology. Some times individuals talk sweetly just to wriggle out of proceedings, and some times they cry crocodile tears. What is your apology? You desire to create an impression that the court had directed you to apologise. What held you back from a heartfelt apology for your indecent remarks till now?” Justice Surya Kant said. The SIT probing the issue consists of IG Pramod Verma, DIG Kalyan Chakravarty and SP Vahini Singh.
