MP Congress workers protest, demand removal of Vijay Shah from state Cabinet
Congress workers staged a protest in Bhopal on Tuesday, demanding that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Madhya Pradesh government should remove the state’s Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, who’s controversial remarks against Army officer, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, had sparked public outrage and widespread criticism across the country after the successful ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May last year.
IANS
Jan 20, 2026 10:46
0
Bhopal, Jan 20 (IANS) Congress workers staged a protest in Bhopal on Tuesday, demanding that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Madhya Pradesh government should remove the state’s Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, who’s controversial remarks against Army officer, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, had sparked public outrage and widespread criticism across the country after the successful ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May last year.
During a protest march led by the State General Secretary of Congress, Amit Sharma, a party worker, who wore a mask, presenting BJP Minister Kunwar Vjay Shah, was handcuffed and paraded from the Congress office to a police station. Protesters were also holding Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s posters printed with slogans hailing the Indian Army.
Amit Sharma, talking to the media, alleged that the BJP government was shielding Kunwar Vijay Shah, who insulted Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
“The Supreme Court has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to prosecute state minister Kunwar Vijay Shah. Congress demands the immediate removal of Vijay Shah from the state Cabinet. Congress will also hold a protest at the Chief Minister’s residence if Shah is not removed from the ministerial post,” Sharma added.
Development came a day after the Supreme Court pulled up the Madhya Pradesh government for sitting on the special investigation team (SIT) report in connection with Shah’s remarks against Col Qureshi.
The apex on Monday also directed the Madhya Pradesh government to decide within two weeks on the grant of sanction to prosecute Shah, who faced an apex court-appointed SIT probe for remarks targeting Col Qureshi.
The Court noted that the special investigation team (SIT) has completed its probe and submitted its final report. However, further proceedings have been stalled as the report awaits mandatory sanction from the state government under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with the promotion of communal hatred and ill-will.
Earlier, when Shah’s controversial remarks sparked a political storm in the state, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had then stated that the government would take action as per the direction of the court.
--IANS
pd/uk
