The political controversy surrounding Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah took a new turn during a public programme held in Indore, where his photograph was conspicuously removed from the backdrop of the stage. This development highlights the increasing pressure on the minister amid widespread criticism of his derogatory remarks about Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a decorated officer of the Indian Army.
Initially, the promotional materials and banners for the event prominently featured Vijay Shah’s image alongside other dignitaries. However, on the day of the programme, officials at the venue decided to remove Shah’s photograph from the stage backdrop. Sources indicate this was a pre-emptive move to avoid any potential unrest or protests from attendees, reflecting the BJP leadership’s efforts to carefully manage the fallout from the controversy.
The removal of Shah’s picture is being seen as a subtle but powerful signal from the ruling party and government officials attempting to distance themselves from the minister’s remarks without taking immediate and formal disciplinary action. This cautious approach appears aimed at containing the political damage while internal deliberations continue on how to address the situation.
The incident was noticed and discussed widely on social media and by political observers, adding to the speculation that Shah’s political future within the BJP is uncertain. Party insiders suggest that this move could be part of a broader strategy by the BJP high command to handle the crisis delicately, balancing between public sentiment and internal party dynamics.
The controversy erupted after Vijay Shah’s remarks during a public event in Manpur near Mhow on May 12, where he implied that Col. Sofia Qureshi’s deployment was symbolic of her religious identity, an assertion seen as communal and deeply disrespectful by many. The remarks provoked a massive backlash from political leaders, civil society, and the armed forces community.
Following a suo motu order by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, an FIR was registered against Shah for his comments, which fall under serious non-bailable offences as per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The court also reprimanded the police for initially failing to include the correct legal sections in the FIR and vowed to closely monitor the investigation.
The opposition Congress party has strongly demanded Shah’s resignation, with state president Jitu Patwari writing directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amid this, the BJP’s top leadership, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and State BJP President VD Sharma, have been summoned to New Delhi to discuss the party’s response.
The removal of Shah’s image from the Indore event backdrop adds to the growing perception of his diminishing stature within the party. Analysts believe the BJP’s forthcoming decisions will be crucial in shaping the narrative around political accountability, gender sensitivity, and the party’s broader image ahead of the upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh.
