New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh BJP minister Vijay Shah has issued a second public apology after facing criticism over his controversial remarks about Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The apology comes amid a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the minister’s comments, which sparked widespread backlash for allegedly hurting religious and community sentiments.
In a 45-second video shared on the social media platform X, Shah referred to his remarks as a “linguistic mistake” and emphasized that he had no intention of offending anyone. Standing with folded hands in the video, he said, “I sincerely apologise to the entire Indian Army, sister Colonel Sofiya, and all the citizens of this country. My words unintentionally hurt the sentiments of a community, a religion, and the people of the nation. It was a slip of the tongue.”
The incident has triggered national attention, particularly because it involves a decorated Indian Army officer and touches on sensitive issues of religion and gender in public discourse. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, known for her distinguished service record, has not publicly responded to Shah’s comments.
The Supreme Court, which is overseeing the investigation, has not yet issued a formal statement on the matter, but sources say it is treating the issue with due seriousness given the social implications.
