TMC on min’s Col Qureshi remark: Is this BJP’s definition of patriotism?
Times of India | 15 May 2025
12 Kolkata: Trinamool Congress on Wednesday asked the BJP whether Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah's slur at Colonel Sofia Qureshiwas its "definition of nationalism". The party had earlier demanded Shah's ouster from the MP govt.The party, calling out Shah's "sister of terrorists" remark at Colonel Qureshi, posted on X: "While the entire nation takes pride in Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a BJP Madhya Pradesh minister, Kunwar Vijay Shah, branded her the ‘sister of terrorists.' Here is a decorated officer who led Operation Sindoor, a proud daughter of India, and yet she is vilified for her name. Is this BJP's definition of patriotism? We unequivocally condemn this misogynistic, hateful mindset that BJP continues to enable."TMC MP Sagarika Ghose also pointed out that NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar did not name the minister while condemning the incident. She posted on X: "Dear NCW, why is your tweet without a name? Why can't you name and shame Vijay Shah of BJP, a minister in the Mohan Yadav govt, as the ‘individual' who used disgusting misogynist and communal language against Col. Qureshi, a senior officer of our brave armed forces? Stop being a ‘Sarkari' commission."On Tuesday, TMC had stated: "At a time when bravehearts are laying down their lives to protect our borders, a BJP minister in the Madhya Pradesh cabinet stoops to the gutter by calling Col. Sofia Qureshi the ‘sister of terrorists.' This vile communal slur is an insult to every soldier who wears the uniform with pride. This is the real face of BJP, a party so consumed by hate that it cannot even spare India's decorated military officers from its venomous bigotry. Kunwar Vijay Shah must be sacked immediately. And if BJP has a shred of decency left, it should apologise to Col. Qureshi and the entireIndian Armed Forces."