Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Assembly was adjourned briefly today amid a heated protest by the opposition Congress party, which demanded the resignation of state minister Kunwar Vijay Shah over his controversial remarks against Indian Army officer, Colonel Sofia Qureshi.
The incident occurred during the Question Hour as Minister Shah, who holds portfolios including Tribal Affairs and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief, rose to answer a query from Congress MLA Arif Masood. Immediately, Congress members began an uproar, moving to the well of the house and shouting slogans calling for Shah’s dismissal. Slogans like “Vijay Shah istifa do” (Vijay Shah, resign) and “Vijay Shah ko barkhaast karo” (Sack Vijay Shah) were heard.
The Speaker of the house, Narendra Tomar, appealed for calm, but the protesting Congress MLAs did not relent. Treasury bench members from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also raised counter-slogans, accusing the opposition of disrespecting the Army. The escalating exchange led to a brief adjournment of the house.
The controversy stems from a speech made by Minister Shah in May, where he allegedly made objectionable and communal remarks against Colonel Qureshi. Colonel Qureshi had gained national prominence for her role in media briefings on ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a military response to a terror attack. In a widely circulated video, Shah was seen making statements that were widely condemned as insulting to the officer. The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognizance of the issue, ordering the police to file an FIR against the minister for promoting enmity and hatred.
The matter has also reached the Supreme Court, which has been critical of Shah’s actions. Most recently, on July 28, the Supreme Court reprimanded the minister for his “online” apology, questioning his sincerity and intentions. The court stated that his conduct was “testing the court’s patience” and directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the remarks. The SIT is expected to submit its report by August 13.
The Congress party has consistently demanded Shah’s resignation since the controversy erupted, with state leaders arguing that his comments are an insult to the armed forces and that his continued presence in the cabinet is a reflection of the government’s stance. While Shah has issued an apology, it has been deemed insufficient by both the opposition and the Supreme Court.
