Bhopal, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Congress on Wednesday urged President Droupadi Murmu to dismiss the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government, alleging that it was shielding Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah by refusing to grant sanction for his prosecution over objectionable remarks about Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari made the demand in a letter to the President, alleging that the state government was extending political patronage to Shah and obstructing the judicial process to protect him from accountability.
Patwari claimed that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted on the directions of the Supreme Court had sought sanction to prosecute Shah, but the state government had declined to consider the request.
In a separate post on X, Patwari alleged that the remarks by Shah and the subsequent actions of the Mohan Yadav government had harmed the morale of the country and the armed forces. He demanded the immediate dismissal of the state government and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the issue.
The Congress said Shah’s remarks about Colonel Qureshi, whom it described as a brave daughter of the nation, amounted not only to an insult to an individual but also to the Indian Army. The party alleged that the state government’s handling of the prosecution request amounted to political protection and raised questions about the separation of political and judicial processes.
The party also accused the BJP government of challenging democratic, constitutional and judicial norms to protect a minister, describing the episode as an example of the alleged arrogance of the “double-engine government”.
Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal defended the government’s position, saying decisions were taken only after examining all relevant aspects.
“The government takes decisions only after considering all sides and verifying all the facts. The decisions being taken by the government are well thought out,” Khandelwal told IANS.
The matter has also seen uncertainty over the government’s formal decision. While some media reports said the state had decided not to grant prosecution sanction, the matter was reportedly not taken up during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. The state government has not issued an official communication on the issue so far.
The case relates to remarks made by Shah at an event in Mhow in May 2025. He subsequently apologised publicly three times.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance of the remarks and ordered registration of an FIR. Following directions from the Supreme Court, an SIT was constituted to investigate the matter. After completing its investigation, the SIT sought permission to prosecute Shah.
The Supreme Court had initially directed the state government to take a decision by January 19, 2026. It later expressed strong displeasure over the delay and ordered the government to decide within four weeks.
The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing before the Supreme Court on August 31.
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