Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah has once again addressed the controversy surrounding his remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, issuing a fresh apology that describes his statements as a “linguistic mistake.” This new video apology comes amid a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into his comments, signaling Vijay Shah’s attempt to clarify his position and seek forgiveness from the Indian Army and the public. Unlike his previous apology, Vijay Shah did not use conditional language such as “if anyone is hurt,” instead taking responsibility for the impact of his words.
Video Apology and Response to Criticism
In a 45-second video posted on social media platform X, Vijay Shah expressed regret for the pain caused by his comments. Standing with folded hands, he said, “I sincerely apologise to the entire Indian Army, sister Colonel Sofiya, and all countrymen.” He emphasized that his remarks were not intended to offend any community or religion, but admitted they were a “linguistic mistake.” Vijay Shah added, “It was by mistake that I uttered those words… With folded hands, I again apologise to you.”
This fresh apology is notably more direct than his previous one, which the Supreme Court had dismissed as “crocodile tears.” The new statement comes just days before the May 28 deadline set by the Supreme Court for the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) first report on the matter. Since Vijay Shah’s initial comments on May 11, which sparked widespread protests and criticism, the minister has largely remained out of the public eye.
Background of the Controversial Remarks and Legal Proceedings
Vijay Shah’s remarks were made during a public event when discussing the Pahalgam terror attack. He had described how terrorists killed Hindu victims and claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded by sending “their sister in an Army plane” to strike the terrorists’ homes. Vijay Shah went further, saying, “They made our sisters widows, so Modiji sent the sisters of their community to strip them and teach them a lesson.” These comments were seen as derogatory and disrespectful towards Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had led the press briefings on Operation Sindoor—a counter-terror operation against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Following the uproar, the Supreme Court directed the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police to form an SIT, comprising three senior IPS officers, including a female officer of SP rank, to investigate the case. The SIT is headed by an officer of Inspector General rank and is expected to submit its initial report by May 28. Though Vijay Shah’s arrest has been stayed by the Supreme Court, the probe continues under close judicial supervision. Meanwhile, opposition parties and civil society groups continue to demand accountability despite Vijay Shah’s apologies.
