Indore: Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah apologised again for his objectionable remarks about Colonel Sofia Qureshi, saying that he had uttered the words in a moment of “patriotic excitement.”
Shah said on Saturday he never intended to insult a woman officer, the Armed Forces or any section of society.
On January 19, the Supreme Court directed the state government to decide within two weeks whether to grant sanction to prosecute Shah for his controversial remarks about Col Qureshi.
The Congress has been demanding Shah’s resignation or his removal from the cabinet.
The minister came under fire last year after a video of his remarks about Col Qureshi during a speech at a public event at Raikunda, in Indore distr
ict, went viral on social media.
Col Qureshi became a household name after regularly briefing the media on ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s military operation against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK in May 2025.
“I have said this many times earlier, and I am reiterating it today that I did not intend to insult any woman officer, the Indian Army or any section of society,” Shah said.
He claimed his statement “did not match his feelings” and were uttered in a “moment of patriotic excitement and emotion.”
“The intention behind the mistake must also be seen. You all know that I bore no ill will,” he added.
Shah said he had repeatedly apologised from the depths of his heart for the controversial remark and was once again seeking forgiveness.
“It is extremely painful for me that such a controversy arose due to a small error on my part. I believe my feelings will be seen in the right context. I have always had immense respect for the Indian Army and will continue to do so,” said Shah, minister of Tribal Affairs, Public Asset Management and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief & Rehabilitation.