Bhopal: The Congress on Wednesday demanded that the President dismiss the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh for refusing to sanction the prosecution of Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah over his objectionable remarks about Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
State Congress president Jitu Patwari, in a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, alleged that the government was providing political patronage to a “loudmouth minister” and that the ruling party was obstructing the judicial process to shield a political figure from accountability.
Patwari wrote that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Supreme Court had sought sanction for prosecution against Shah, but the Madhya Pradesh government declined to consider it.
Separately, in a post on his X handle, Patwari wrote, “First, Vijay Shah and now the Mohan government have committed the unpardonable crime of breaking the morale of the country and the army! The BJP government must be immediately dismissed!”
He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the issue, stating that the honour of the Army is not the property of any party but the national self-respect of 140 crore Indians. The Congress described Shah’s remarks regarding the nation’s brave daughter and Indian Army officer as not only an insult to an individual but also to the armed forces.
The party said the state government’s decision not to grant sanction, while extending political protection to the minister, raises serious questions about the system in which the ruling party stands as a wall in the judicial process.
The Congress claimed the episode exposes the arrogance of the so-called “double-engine government,” where democratic, constitutional and judicial norms are being challenged to protect a minister.
Protecting Shah after he insulted the Army, the party argued, amounts to institutional protection for that insult and crime.
Reacting to Patwari’s allegations, Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal defended the government’s decision-making process and said decisions were taken after examining all relevant aspects. “The government takes decisions only after considering all sides and verifying all the facts. The decisions being taken by the government are well thought out,” Khandelwal said, speaking to IANS on the matter.
The Madhya Pradesh government reportedly did not take up the matter of granting sanction for prosecution in Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, though a section of the media has reported that the government decided not to grant such permission. The state government has yet to issue any communication regarding the matter.
The minister had publicly apologised three times. The case stems from comments Shah made about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi at an event in Mhow in May 2025.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance and ordered registration of an FIR. On the Supreme Court’s instructions, an SIT was formed. After investigation, the SIT sought permission to prosecute.
The Supreme Court had directed the state government to decide by January 19, 2026, and later expressed strong displeasure over the delay, ordering a decision within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled in the Supreme Court on August 31.
(IANS)
