Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda has ignited a political firestorm following his assertion that “the country’s army and soldiers bow at the feet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” The remark, delivered during a civil defence volunteers’ training programme in Jabalpur, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and defence experts, who argue it undermines the apolitical ethos of the armed forces.
Opposition leaders swiftly condemned Devda’s statement, accusing him of politicising the military and disrespecting its constitutional independence. The Congress party, already engaged in protests over controversial remarks made by Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, seized upon Devda’s comments as further evidence of the ruling party’s disregard for institutional norms.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also weighed in, criticising the trend of making derogatory remarks about military personnel. She specifically targeted Vijay Shah, describing such critics as “loudmouths” and urging them to “shut up,” emphasising the importance of respecting the contributions of officers like Colonel Qureshi.
The controversy surrounding Vijay Shah stems from his remarks referring to Colonel Qureshi as the “sister of terrorists,” a statement that has been widely condemned as misogynistic and communal. The Trinamool Congress questioned whether such rhetoric reflects the BJP’s definition of patriotism and demanded Shah’s removal from the state cabinet. TMC MP Sagarika Ghose also criticised the National Commission for Women for not naming Shah in their condemnation, accusing the commission of partisan behaviour.
In response to the backlash, BJP national president JP Nadda requested a full report on Shah’s comments and summoned him for a meeting. Shah reportedly apologised, claiming his words were misrepresented and expressing deep respect for Colonel Qureshi. Despite this, Congress leaders, including Jitu Patwari, have demanded Shah’s resignation and filed an FIR, warning of further legal action if he is not dismissed.
The controversy has also sparked protests beyond Madhya Pradesh. In Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a group of ex-servicemen staged a demonstration demanding Shah’s arrest, accusing him of making disrespectful comments about Colonel Qureshi that hurt the sentiments of the military community. The protesters warned that if the government fails to take appropriate action, they will escalate their agitation.
Amidst these developments, the Supreme Court has intervened in a related matter concerning the denial of permanent commission to Short Service Commission women Army officers. The court has asked the Central government to refrain from releasing these officers from service, emphasising the importance of maintaining their morale in the prevailing situation. The next hearing is scheduled for August.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who has become a central figure in this controversy, is a senior officer in the Indian Army’s Signal Corps. She made history by becoming the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise, ‘Exercise Force 18.’ She has also served in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Congo and was praised by the Supreme Court in its 2020 judgment advocating for permanent commission for women in the Indian Army.
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