Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, who ignited controversy with his derogatory comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, issued yet another apology on Friday, claiming it was a “linguistic error”.
Shah caused an uproar during a government event when he stated that the Prime Minister had sent a “sister from the same community” as those in Pakistan to retaliate for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. This comment referred to India’s Operation Sindoor strikes, which were led by Qureshi alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh on May 7.
Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi,
“Jai Hind, I was profoundly saddened and disturbed by the horrific massacre that occurred in Pahalgam a few days ago. I have always held deep love for my nation and respect for the Indian Army. The words I used have offended the community, religion, and my fellow countrymen; it was a linguistic error on my part,” Vijay Shah stated in a video message on Friday.
The eight-time MLA from Madhya Pradesh further explained that he did not mean to offend the sentiments of any religion, caste, or community. “I regret my comments made in error and sincerely apologize to the Army, sister Sofiya Qureshi, and all my fellow countrymen, with folded hands,” he added.
Vijay Shah had previously apologized twice for the same statement after facing backlash from opposition parties, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, and the Supreme Court.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court criticized Vijay Shah, labeling his earlier apologies as insincere and mere “crocodile tears”, and noted that his remarks were “entirely thoughtless”.
The Supreme Court described it as “the most unfortunate statement” and emphasized that, as a minister, he should have upheld a standard far superior to others.
The Supreme Court established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) consisting of three senior IPS officers to investigate the FIR against the Madhya Pradesh Minister, ensuring that at least one member of the team is a woman. The SIT has been instructed to submit its report by May 28.
