Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has issued a fresh apology for his controversial and communal remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, describing his earlier statement as a “linguistic error.” The controversy erupted after Shah, during a public event, commented that the Prime Minister had sent a “sister from the same community” as those in Pakistan to avenge the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam—a statement widely condemned as insulting and communal.
His remarks, referring to Colonel Qureshi, who along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh led the May 7 Operation Sindoor airstrikes, were seen as diminishing her valor by invoking her religious identity. The precision strikes had destroyed nine terror launch pads and neutralized over 100 terrorists across the Line of Control, marking a powerful military response to the Pahalgam massacre.
In his latest video statement, Shah said:
“Jai Hind, I was deeply saddened and disturbed by the gruesome massacre that took place in Pahalgam a few days ago. I have always had immense love for my nation and respect for the Indian Army. The words spoken by me have hurt the community, religion and countrymen. It was a linguistic error by me.”
He added that he did not intend to offend any religion, caste, or community, and extended a folded-hands apology to the Army, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and the citizens of India.
This is Shah’s third public apology after facing backlash from:
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Opposition parties, who demanded his resignation
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The Madhya Pradesh High Court, which observed the seriousness of the impact
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The Supreme Court, which earlier this week harshly criticized his statements, calling his previous apologies “crocodile tears” and his remarks “completely thoughtless.”
The apex court also called it “the most unfortunate statement”, stressing that ministers must maintain higher moral and constitutional standards.
In response to the incident, the Supreme Court constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the FIR filed against Shah. The team includes three senior IPS officers, with the condition that at least one must be a woman. The SIT has been directed to submit its report by May 28.
The case has struck a national nerve, not only for its communal undertones but also because it targeted a decorated female officer leading a high-profile military operation. Colonel Qureshi, an officer with a distinguished service record, has emerged as a symbol of valor and unity, and Shah’s comments were seen as a betrayal of the apolitical and inclusive ethos of India’s armed forces.
The ongoing investigation and judicial scrutiny signal a zero-tolerance approach to communal rhetoric targeting national heroes, especially at a time when the country is rallying around its armed forces in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
