CM claims Congress has no authority to remark on the matter and that the state government will follow the court’s ruling.
Following late-night discussions among senior BJP leaders, the party has decided to support Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah, who faced criticism for his remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav dismissed calls for Shah’s resignation, stating the matter is resolved as per court directives.
In Bhopal, CM Yadav said, “The court has issued its order, and our government has complied. We will follow the court’s path. Congress should demand Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s resignation instead, as many of their ministers face legal cases. Congress supported AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal, a CM who went to jail. They have no moral ground to comment on this issue.”
BJP sources revealed that CM Yadav, state president V.D. Sharma, and organisation general secretary Hitanand Sharma met on Wednesday night to address the controversy. A senior party official noted, “The High Court did not demand Shah’s resignation, so there’s no need to pursue it.”
Party leaders expressed concerns that Shah’s resignation could be portrayed as a victory for Congress. “If we yield, Congress will target other ministers. We must not succumb to pressure,” a leader said, referencing past controversies like Pragya Thakur’s remarks on Mahatma Gandhi. Another leader emphasized Shah’s importance as a senior tribal leader, warning that his removal could harm the party’s future prospects. “His statement was in poor taste but not communal,” the leader added.
On May 12, Shah remarked at an event in Mau that India retaliated against those behind the Pahalgam terror attack using “their own sister.” Though he did not name anyone, Congress alleged he referred to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Shah clarified, “My speech was not meant in that context. I respect our sisters who, alongside the armed forces, have shown great strength in retaliation.” The High Court has ordered an FIR and a court-monitored investigation against him.
