Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah on Feb 7, tendered yet another apology for his objectionable remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, saying his comments were misconstrued and that he never intended to insult a woman officer, the Indian Army, or any section of society. The apology comes at a critical juncture, with the Supreme Court having pulled up the state government over delays in granting sanction to prosecute the minister.
Shah, a senior BJP leader, had sparked a major political controversy in May last year after a video surfaced in which he was heard making derogatory references to Colonel Qureshi, one of the prominent faces of official media briefings during India’s Operation Sindoor against terror hideouts in Pakistan. In the viral clip, Shah referred to the decorated Army officer as a “sister of terrorists,” triggering nationwide outrage.
Speaking to reporters, Shah sought to explain his remarks, claiming they were made in what he described as a “moment of patriotic excitement” and without any malice or intent to demean the armed forces.
“I have said this many times earlier, and I am reiterating it today that I did not intend to insult any woman officer, the Indian Army or any section of society,” Shah was quoted as saying. He added that the controversy had caused him personal distress and that he hoped his explanation would be seen in the correct context.
“It is extremely painful for me that such a controversy arose due to a small error on my part. I have always had immense respect for the Indian Army and will continue to do so,” the minister said, while also acknowledging the need for restraint and sensitivity in public discourse.
Shah further stated that maintaining decorum in public life was essential and vowed to exercise greater control over his words in the future.
The remarks last year drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum, with opposition parties accusing Shah of insulting the armed forces and targeting a woman officer who had become a symbol of India’s official military communication during a sensitive operation.
Following widespread backlash, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the police to register an FIR against Shah. Accordingly, an FIR was lodged under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), dealing with acts endangering sovereignty, promoting enmity, and imputations prejudicial to national integration.
Despite the FIR, the case remained stuck at the stage of sanction for prosecution, prompting judicial intervention.
On January 19, the Supreme Court strongly criticised the Madhya Pradesh government for sitting on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report and delaying a decision on whether to grant sanction to prosecute Shah.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Dipankar Datta, and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed displeasure over the prolonged inaction and reminded the state of its statutory obligation.
“You are sitting over the SIT report since August 19, 2025. The statute casts an obligation on you and you must take a call. It is January 19 now,” CJI Surya Kant remarked, underscoring the court’s impatience with the delay.
Earlier, on July 28, 2025, the apex court had also pulled up Shah for failing to place a clear public apology on record, observing that his conduct was “testing the court’s patience.” The bench had then noted that the minister’s approach raised doubts about his bona fides.
With the Supreme Court now setting a clear timeline for the state government to decide on sanction for prosecution, the controversy has once again returned to the spotlight. Shah’s latest apology is being seen as an attempt to mitigate the fallout as legal pressure mounts.
