Shiv Sena (UBT)’s mouthpiece Saamana has strongly criticized BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah over his controversial remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi. Shah referred to Colonel Qureshi as the “sister of terrorists” while speaking about Operation Sindoor, drawing widespread condemnation from political and public circles.
Following public outcry, a case was registered against Shah at the Manpur Police Station in Indore, after an order from the Jabalpur High Court. The court also instructed the Madhya Pradesh government to file an FIR within four hours. Shah subsequently approached the Supreme Court, which upheld the High Court’s order and reportedly rebuked him for his comments.
In its editorial, Saamana lashed out at Shah and the BJP, stating:
“The disgusting face of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is trying to gain political mileage from the valor of the Indian Army, has been exposed twice in four days. A BJP minister from Madhya Pradesh, Kunwar Vijay Shah, used extremely derogatory language against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who played a pivotal role in 'Operation Sindoor'."
Colonel Qureshi, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, was one of the key figures who became widely recognized for their roles in the military operation. Saamana emphasized that Shah’s statement was not only offensive but also disrespectful to the entire Indian Armed Forces.
The editorial further stated:
“The country had immense respect for these officers. Yet, Minister Vijay Shah chose to insult Colonel Qureshi by referring to her in obscenely communal terms. His so-called apology—'If I have hurt anyone’s sentiments, I am ready to apologize ten times'—was insincere and evasive. Even after facing strict directives from both the High Court and the Supreme Court, he continues to remain unapologetic.”
Saamana also accused the BJP of hypocrisy, claiming that had such a remark come from an opposition party member, the BJP would have taken to the streets in protest.
“Despite a minister using abusive language against a patriotic officer like Colonel Qureshi, BJP leaders from Delhi to Bhopal have remained silent. The party has neither condemned the remarks nor taken disciplinary action against Shah,” the editorial said.
It concluded with a demand for Shah’s removal from both his ministerial position and the BJP:
“Using religiously charged, discriminatory language against Colonel Qureshi is not just an insult to her—it’s an insult to the Indian Army. The BJP, which claims to uphold morality and nationalism, must act decisively. Vijay Shah must be expelled from the cabinet and the party.”