Chandigarh, May 14: Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has strongly condemned the controversial remarks made by Madhya Pradesh BJP leader and Minister Vijay Shah, accusing him of linking Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s religious identity to Pakistan and terrorism.
Warring, in a statement issued on Wednesday, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of not only attempting to take credit for the nation’s victory, but also attempting to “poison the atmosphere” with communal rhetoric.
He criticized the party for undermining national unity and harmony, which he claimed conflicted with its politics.
“The BJP has been rattled by the unity and integrity displayed by the people of this country, regardless of their religious faith or political ideology,” Warring said. “Such an atmosphere is anathema for a party that thrives on communal poison.”
He further suggested that Shah’s controversial comments were made deliberately, likely at the behest of his party.
Warring also expressed strong support for Colonel Qureshi, praising her courage and dedication in defending the nation.
“The entire country is proud of Col Sofiya Qureshi for her service during the recent hostilities,” Warring said.
“It is a strange coincidence that both the people of Pakistan and some BJP leaders seem to be on the same page regarding her.”
Shah’s remarks, which were captured in a video released by the Congress, sparked significant public backlash. In the video, Shah allegedly made provocative comments, saying, “Jinhone humari betiyon ke sindoor ujade the… humne unhiki behen bhej kar ke unki aisi ki taisi karwayi,” referencing a vengeful act involving the removal of sindoor (vermilion) from Indian women’s foreheads.
Following the uproar, Shah issued a public apology, stating, “If my words have hurt society and religion, I am ready to apologize ten times.”
Colonel Qureshi, who was part of the tri-services team addressing the media on Operation Sindoor alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, has garnered widespread admiration for her role in the military’s response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.
