With the Supreme Court-mandated deadline for his prosecution approaching, Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah on Saturday issued another apology for his controversial remarks about Colonel Sofia Qureshi, saying his words were spoken in a moment of “patriotic excitement.”
Shah told reporters that he never intended to insult a woman officer, the armed forces, or any section of society. “I have said this many times earlier, and I am reiterating it today: I did not intend to insult any woman officer, the Indian Army, or any section of society,” he said, stressing that his “words did not match his feelings” and were a result of emotion.
“The intention behind the mistake must also be seen. You all know that I bore no ill will,” Shah added. He said he had repeatedly apologised from the depths of his heart and was once again seeking forgiveness. “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,” he said.
Shah acknowledged the need for sensitivity in public life and said he had learned a lesson from the 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,” he added.
The controversy began last May after Shah, speaking at a public event in Raikunda village in Indore, referred to Colonel Qureshi, who had briefed the media on ‘Operation Sindoor,’ India’s retaliatory strike against Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, as a “sister of the terrorists’ community.” His remarks sparked nationwide outrage and calls for his resignation.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance of the statement, describing it as “derogatory” and using “indecent language,” and ordered the registration of an FIR under sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Manpur police station.
Shah holds the portfolios of tribal affairs, public asset management, and Bhopal gas tragedy relief and rehabilitation. The Supreme Court, on January 19, directed the state government to decide within two weeks whether to grant sanction to prosecute the minister for his remarks, intensifying political pressure on him ahead of the deadline.
