Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Responds to Minister Vijay Shah’s Controversial Remarks on Army Officer
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, May 16, 2025 – Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has addressed the uproar over Minister Vijay Shah’s derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a decorated Indian Army officer, stating that his government will comply with court orders following the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s directive to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Shah. The controversy, sparked by Shah’s communal and sexist comments during a public event, has led to widespread condemnation, protests by the Congress party, and demands for Shah’s resignation, as reported by NDTV, Free Press Journal, and ANI. Yadav’s response, coupled with the court’s sharp rebuke, underscores the political and legal fallout of the incident.
Details of the Controversy
- Shah’s Remarks: On May 12, 2025, during a program in Raikunda, Mhow (Ambedkarnagar), Minister Vijay Shah, Madhya Pradesh’s Tribal Welfare Minister, allegedly referred to Colonel Sofia Qureshi as the “sister” of those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people on April 22, 2025. Qureshi, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, has been a prominent face of the Indian Army during media briefings on Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the attack. Shah’s comments, made before an audience including Union Minister Savitri Thakur, were labeled “derogatory, communal, and sexist” by the High Court.
- High Court’s Response: On May 14, 2025, the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Jabalpur, taking suo motu cognizance, ordered the state police to file an FIR against Shah within four hours, threatening contempt proceedings against the police chief if unmet. The bench, comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Anuradha Shukla, criticized Shah’s “language of the gutters” and the police’s initial FIR as a “mere formality” lacking crucial legal provisions. The court called the remarks “sedition, communal provocation, and a threat to national unity,” noting they imputed separatist feelings to Muslims and targeted the armed forces’ integrity.
- Shah’s Defense: Shah initially claimed his comments were taken out of context, later offering to apologize, stating, “Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is more important than my sister to me because she rose above caste and community and took revenge. I did not intend any offence.” However, his absence from public view since May 14 has fueled speculation about his political future.
Mohan Yadav’s Response
- Court Compliance: On May 15, 2025, CM Yadav addressed the issue in Bhopal, saying, “Our government has obeyed the court’s order. We will do as the court says.” He avoided directly addressing Shah’s fate, focusing on legal compliance.
- Counterattack on Congress: Yadav deflected Congress demands for Shah’s resignation by highlighting legal troubles within the opposition, stating, “Congress keeps demanding resignations; why don’t they ask for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation?” He questioned the Congress’s accountability, noting cases against its leaders.
- Party Discussions: Deputy CM Jagdish Devda confirmed that the issue is under “serious discussion” at the highest levels of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggesting potential disciplinary action, though no decision has been publicized.
- Context of Yadav’s Stance: Yadav, a staunch supporter of PM Narendra Modi and the Indian Army, has repeatedly praised Operation Sindoor, calling it a “befitting reply” to Pakistan. His reluctance to immediately act against Shah may reflect internal BJP dynamics, as Shah is a senior minister appointed in Yadav’s December 2023 cabinet.
Political and Public Reactions
- Congress Protests: The Congress, led by Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar, has escalated pressure, with protests across Madhya Pradesh. On May 14, Congress women activists, holding posters of Colonel Qureshi, attempted to demonstrate outside Shah’s Bhopal residence but were stopped by police. Protests also occurred at police stations in Sagar and Morena, demanding FIRs. Congress legislators plan to meet Governor Mangubhai Patel on May 16 to seek Shah’s dismissal.
- BJP Internal Dissent: Former CM Uma Bharati, a BJP veteran, publicly called for Shah’s sacking, stating on X, “Vijay Shah ji should be dismissed from the post of minister and FIR should be lodged against him immediately because he has brought shame to the entire nation.”
- X Sentiment: Posts on X reflect outrage and demands for action:
- @MPTakOfficial noted Yadav’s first reaction, stating he ordered action per court directives.
- @Ranapra16597034 accused Yadav of indirectly supporting Shah by citing opposition leaders’ issues, questioning whether “the army or ministerial power” takes precedence.
- @jai_Rambharose and @Rambharoseinc urged Yadav to sack Shah immediately, arguing that apologies are insufficient for insulting soldiers.
- @dryadusingh called Shah’s remarks “outrageously low class,” demanding his dismissal.
Broader Context
- Yadav’s Leadership: Since becoming CM in December 2023, Yadav has projected a strong nationalist image, frequently lauding the Indian Army and Modi’s leadership in Operation Sindoor. His comments on May 7–13, 2025, praised the army’s “tremendous resistance” and Modi’s anti-terrorism policies, making Shah’s remarks a political liability.
- Operation Sindoor: The operation, launched in response to the Pahalgam attack, targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK, with Qureshi as a key spokesperson. Shah’s comments undermine the operation’s unifying narrative, which Modi described as reflecting “the emotions of millions of Indians.”
- BJP’s Dilemma: The BJP, holding 163 of 230 seats in Madhya Pradesh’s assembly, faces pressure to act decisively to avoid alienating veterans and moderates, especially after Bharati’s rebuke. However, Shah’s seniority and tribal voter base complicate swift action.
Implications
- Legal Fallout: The High Court’s oversight of the investigation signals potential escalation, with Shah facing charges under stringent laws for sedition and communal provocation. The next hearing, set for May 16, 2025, will assess police compliance.
- Political Ramifications: Yadav’s cautious response risks alienating voters if Shah remains in office, especially amid Congress’s aggressive campaign. The BJP’s discreet removal of Shah’s banner at an Indore event suggests damage control, but a resignation or sacking may be imminent.
- Army Morale: The court and opposition emphasized that Shah’s remarks could demoralize the armed forces, a sensitive issue given Qureshi’s role in a high-profile operation. Posts on X, like @mpajaypratap, warned of a negative impact on military morale.
Conclusion
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav has pledged to follow court orders in response to Minister Vijay Shah’s controversial remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, which the High Court deemed seditious and communally provocative. While Yadav deflected Congress demands by questioning their accountability, the BJP faces internal and public pressure to act, with protests and calls for Shah’s resignation intensifying. The issue, tied to the sensitive context of Operation Sindoor, tests Yadav’s leadership and the party’s unity. For updates, follow NDTV (www.ndtv.com) or Free Press Journal (www.freepressjournal.in).
Note: Information is based on sources as of May 16, 2025, at 12:52 AM IST. Verify with official court or government statements for accuracy.