"Utterly disgraceful...": APCC chief Sharmila slams BJP's Vijay Shah over remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], May 14 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President YS Sharmila on Wednesday launched a scathing attack against Bharatiya Janata Party's leader Kunwar Vijay Shah, condemning the latter for his "communal and sexist" remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who briefed the media during Operation Sindoor.
In a post on X, Sharmila called the incident a shameful assault on India's unity and democracy, urging the nation to reject such "troublemakers".
She noted that the remark made by the BJP leader "isn't just a slip of the tongue" and it reflected the rotting mindset of the BJP.
"It reflects the rot within the BJP's mindset, and the applause from his supporters only establishes it. Is this the 'new India' Modi and Co. boasts of, in which decorated women officers are demeaned with such vile bigotry?" she stated.
Sharmila further accused the BJP of thriving on communal polarisation, stating, "This isn't an isolated incident. The BJP's core thrives on communal polarisation, masking hate with patriotism. They peddle division, pit Indians against each other, and destabilise the fragile fabric of our society, just for the sake of electoral gain. It's time India rejected these troublemakers who damage our unity, dishonour our daughters, and bring shame to our democracy."
The remarks came after Kunwar Vijay Shah stirred a row with his objectionable remark on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who briefed the media during Operation Sindoor.
Speaking at an event, Shah said, "Those who widowed our daughters [in Pahalgam], we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson."
The Madhya Pradesh minister later apologised, expressing regret over his remark, "I am not a God; I'm too human, and I apologise ten times."
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi led the media briefing for Operation Sindoor alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, detailing the strikes at every step.
Earlier, Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati hit out at Kunwar Vijay Shah over his "indecent" remarks against Colonel Qureshi, demanding strict action against him to maintain harmony and brotherhood in the country.
"The BJP and the central government should take seriously the indecent remarks made by a senior minister of Madhya Pradesh regarding the Muslim women army spokesperson and take strict action against him, so that the nefarious designs of the enemies fail and the mutual brotherhood and harmony in the country is not spoiled," Mayawati posted on X.
She trained guns on those making "uncivilised and indecent" remarks targeting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, saying that such statements would "destroy the good atmosphere" being celebrated due to the success of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.
"The disgusting, uncivilised and indecent remarks first against the Foreign Secretary and then against the lady Army officer are really going to destroy the good atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement, which the entire country is enjoying due to the success of Indian Army's 'Operation Sindoor' against Pakistan, which is extremely sad and shameful," Mayawati added. (ANI)