Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued silence on the controversy questioned with a demand that he apologise to the nation
NEW DELHI — Launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress have demanded immediate dismissal and arrest of Madhya Pradesh Minister and the saffron party leader, Vijay Shah, for describing Indian Army officer Col Sofiya Qureshi as the “sister of Pakistani terrorists.”
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh denounced Shah’s remarks as a direct insult to Col Sofiya Qureshi and the Indian Army. He also accused the BJP of fostering a culture of division and disrespect.
“Calling a decorated army officer the sister of terrorists is not only shameful but treasonous,” said Singh. “This is the BJP’s true face — a party that insults our soldiers while pretending to champion nationalism.”
Singh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued silence on the controversy and demanded that he apologise to the nation.
“It is shocking that the prime minister remains silent. Vijay Shah has not only insulted a brave daughter of India but has also stained the dignity of our armed forces. The country will not tolerate this,” he added.
A Pattern of Disrespect
The AAP leader also drew attention to what he described as a recurring pattern of disrespect toward members of the military and their families by BJP leaders and supporters. He cited derogatory online attacks on Himanshi Narwal, widow of a martyred army officer, and the recent targeting of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family over the Indo-Pak ceasefire.
“The BJP’s troll machinery has abused and humiliated a martyr’s widow and even attacked a senior diplomat’s daughter,” Singh said. “All this while the prime minister refuses to speak up. This silence speaks volumes.”
Shah’s Controversial Record
Singh also highlighted Vijay Shah’s history of making offensive remarks. He claimed that Shah had previously made derogatory comments about the wife of a former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, yet continued to hold a cabinet position.
“This is not the first time Vijay Shah has made disgraceful remarks. That such a person continues to be a minister reflects the BJP’s mindset. The prime minister must explain why he tolerates such behaviour,” he said.
Call for Action
The AAP has demanded that Vijay Shah be immediately removed from his post and face legal action for his comments. Singh warned that failure to act would amount to complicity.
“If the prime minister does not act now, the insult will not just be to one officer, but to every soldier who serves the nation. He must apologise to the people and take accountability.”
Meanwhile, Congress general secretary and MP KC Venugopal also questioned the prime minister’s and the ruling BJP’s studied silence on the issue. He emphasised that the BJP did not move even after the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered that a formal complaint be filed against the minister for his offensive remarks. Venugopal said in a post on “X” that it seems the government had given the BJP leaders carte blanche to make such divisive and anti-national remarks
“From the MP Minister who insulted Col Sofiya Qureshi to Godse-bhakt Pragya Thakur, one thing is clear – no matter what toxic, anti-national statements you make, you will suffer no consequences in the BJP. Not firing Minister Vijay Shah, whom the high court has ordered an FIR against, is a silent endorsement of his statements. We will relentlessly push the BJP into sacking him, there is no other option for them,” he said.
The BJP has not yet responded to the allegations or the AAP and the Congress demands.
