‘Cancerous, dangerous’: After Madhya Pradesh HC order, FIR against BJP minister for reference to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has mandated the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and state minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his controversial remarks targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Indian Army officer who briefed the media on Operation Sindoor. The court, in a suo motu action on Wednesday, described Shah’s comments as “cancerous and dangerous,” noting they could foster separatist sentiments and threaten India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
During a public event in Mahu on Tuesday, Shah referenced Colonel Qureshi, who conducted press briefings alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during Operation Sindoor, a military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Shah’s statement suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had used “a sister from their society” to counter those responsible for the attack, repeating the phrase three times. The Congress party condemned the remarks, alleging they alluded to Colonel Qureshi and insulted her service.
The Division Bench, comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Anuradha Shukla, observed that Shah’s comments prima facie violated Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses actions promoting enmity between groups. The court directed the Director General of Police to register the FIR by 6 p.m. on Wednesday, warning that non-compliance would trigger contempt proceedings. The bench dismissed arguments from Shah’s counsel that the order relied solely on newspaper reports, stating it would incorporate video evidence into the record. The next hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) denounced Shah’s remarks as derogatory and disrespectful to women in service, emphasizing Colonel Qureshi’s courage and dedication. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar called the comments unfortunate, urging public figures to use respectful language. A Madhya Pradesh Congress delegation also filed a complaint against Shah at Shyamal Hills Police Station in Bhopal, demanding his removal from the state cabinet. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge labeled the remarks “shameful and vulgar,” accusing the BJP of fostering an anti-woman mindset.
Facing backlash, Shah apologized on Tuesday, claiming his speech was misinterpreted. He clarified that he respected Colonel Qureshi, describing her as “more important than my sister” and asserting his patriotic credentials, citing his family’s military background.