Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah's absence from public events and official meetings has led the Indore Congress unit to stage a symbolic protest, plastering "missing" posters across the city and offering a reward for information on his whereabouts.
Shah has been embroiled in controversy for the past two weeks over his remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had briefed the media during Operation Sindoor, a military offensive against terrorist camps in Pakistan.
“We will continue protesting until the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) forces his resignation. This is our way of demonstrating against the fact that he has gone missing after an FIR was lodged against him. This situation is harmful to a democratic system,” said Vivek Khandelwal, acting president of the District Congress Seva Dal, Indore unit, told IANS.
The controversy erupted after Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah allegedly made derogatory remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a respected Indian Army officer. His comments triggered widespread outrage, prompting legal action and a Supreme Court-ordered investigation.
During a public event, Shah reportedly referred to Colonel Qureshi as the sister of terrorists, citing the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Following the registration of an FIR against him on May 15 at Manpura police station in Indore Rural, Shah has remained absent from public view, skipping key government meetings, including a recent cabinet session in Indore.
Congress leaders, including Vivek Khandelwal, have slammed the BJP-led state government for its inaction regarding Minister Vijay Shah. They contend that his absence highlights lapses within the state's home department and intelligence agencies.
Despite mounting pressure from opposition leaders and even some within the ruling party, the government has yet to accept his resignation.
Congress has escalated its protests, putting up posters at key intersections in Indore, mockingly declaring Minister Vijay Shah "missing" and offering a reward for his return. The party has vowed to continue its demonstrations until he resigns.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has appointed a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter, with a report expected soon. The case has become a major political flashpoint, with tensions running high as both sides await further developments.
On Friday, Shah reappeared on various media platforms through a video message, apologising to the public and attributing his remarks to a linguistic error, acknowledging the use of inappropriate words. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had earlier stated that the BJP would act in accordance with court directives.