Congress demands removal of Madhya Pradesh deputy CM over remarks on Army
Upping its ante against Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government over Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda’s remarks about Army, Congress on Friday termed it as an “insult to the valour and courage of the Army” while demanding the minister’s immediate removal.
The Congress shared the clip of Devda’s speech, where he could be heard stating, “The country’s Army and soldiers bow at the feet of Prime Minister Modi.”
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate condemned the insulting statement made by Devda about the Army and has demanded his immediate dismissal.
Shrinate, who is the party’s media department head said if he is not removed, “it will be assumed that his statement is in agreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP”.
Shrinate said it is a sin to say such a thing about the Army that entered Pakistan and destroyed terrorist hideouts after the Pahalgam terror attack.
“But BJP and its leaders are doing this repeatedly. Every person in the country has respect for our Army and the entire nation is grateful as it is because of the Army that we are able to remain safe. A person who has such ill will and dirty thoughts about the Army has no right to hold any post," she added.
Shrinat also said this time an apology will not work and the BJP cannot remain a silent spectator and PM Modi also cannot remain silent.
Earlier, on May 14, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) had strongly condemned the statement of Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah on alleged communal remarks about Colonel Sofia Qureshi — the Indian Army officer who, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, had briefed the media through Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.
Shah had said that the PM had sent a “sister from the same community” as those in Pakistan to avenge the Pahalgam attack. “Modi ji is striving for the society. Those who widowed our daughters, we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson,” he had said.
Reacting over it, the CWC said, “Such behaviour is not only disgraceful but undermines the dignity of our armed forces and the principles of gender respect within the military. The CWC demands his immediate resignation and calls upon the government to initiate strict action under applicable laws.”
Leader of Opposition in MP’s Assembly, Umang Singhar, along with party MLAs submitted a memorandum to Governor Mangubhai C Patel demanding dismissal of the minister. However, after handing over the letter, Singhar protested outside the Rajbhawan but was removed and detained by the police.
Singhar told The Tribune that the BJP government in the state is acting dictatorially and is not respecting the sentiments of the public. “Not just women, Shah has insulted the entire Indian Army. BJP needs to expel him at the earliest," said Singhar.
India