Remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi 'linguistic mistake': MP minister Vijay Shah

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah, who is facing an SC-ordered inquiry for his comments on Col Sofiya Qureshi, issued a video apology on Friday, calling his remarks a 'linguistic mistake', reports Suchandana Gupta.

Five days before the May 28 SC hearing, when the SIT probe is to be submitted, Shah released a 45-second video on X saying he did not intend to 'offend any community', and has "sincerely apologised to the entire Indian Army, sister Colonel Sofiya and all the countrymen".

This time, the apology was with folded hands and without the phrase: 'if anyone is hurt'. On Monday, SC had dismissed his first apology as 'crocodile tears'.

The MP minister has not been seen in public since his May 11 remarks triggered nationwide outrage.

BJP call on Vijay Shah likely before PM's May 31 Bhopal visit
An FIR was also registered against MP minister Vijay Shah in Manpur police station of Indore on orders of Madhya Pradesh high court.

In the video, the MP minister says: "Jai Hind. I was sad and distressed by Pahalgam massacre. I have always had a deep love for the country and respect for Indian Army. The words spoken by me have hurt our community, religion and people of the nation. This was a linguistic mistake by me. My intention was not to hurt any religion, caste or community. It was by mistake that I uttered those words and am totally apologetic to Indian Army, sister Col Sofiya Qureshi and people of the country. With folded hands, I again apologise to you."

What he claims to be a 'linguistic mistake' was interpreted by MP high court as 'gutter language'.

His crass remarks embarrassed BJP just when the nation was celebrating the success of Op Sindoor. Sources in state BJP said the party is waiting for SIT to submit its report to SC. BJP is in a dilemma - unable to decide whether removing Vijay Shah from the cabinet or letting him survive yet again would be more damaging.

BJP has a very narrow window to take a decision as PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Bhopal to address a Women's Empowerment Maha Sammelan on May 31 to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The party has given all organisational responsibilities of this event to women members. And when the PM addresses a women empowerment event, the party cannot be seen as shirking on taking a call on the insult to a woman Army officer by one of its cabinet ministers.


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