'Woman From Same Community': Minister's Remarks On Army Officer Spark Row

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-05-13 21:18:09 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-22 09:55:14

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 23

---

A political storm is brewing in Madhya Pradesh over Minister Laxmi Narayan Singh's remarks seen as a reference to Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who made headlines as one of the Operation Sindoor briefers. The incident highlights the fraught nature of political commentary in India where civilians often weigh in on the military's matters.

The controversial statement, made during a political rally, ostensibly had nothing to do with Col. Qureshi but referred to the minister's constituency in Rewa.

But his emphasis on "how a woman from the minority community was chosen to lead the Army's operations in the state" has naturally sparked debates and led to charges of insincerity.

Mr. Singh is the Chairman of the State Tourism and Culture Commission and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Col. Qureshi, an intelligence officer, shot to fame as one of the three female officers who led the government's briefings on Operation Sindoor, a three-month campaign that resulted in the arrest of over 200 suspected terrorists in Kashmir.

The minister has since issued a clarification, emphasizing that his remarks were misconstrued and that he had meant to highlight the achievements of his government in "nurturing the competent female workforce in various fields, be it politics, administration, or the Army."

But the criticism has already been made and the damage done. Congress politician Shakil Ahmad added fuel to the fire by publicly asking why Col. Qureshi was the face of the operation if the Army is an apolitical institution.

With this, the BJP finds itself in a tight spot, having strongly advocated for Col. Qureshi's inclusion in the briefings but now having to fend off allegations of insincerity and disrespect.

As the controversy reverberates, one thing is certain: thoughtful commentary on India's military affairs is needed now more than ever. When politicians choose to wield the military as a political weapon, it imperils the institutional neutrality and respect that the Armed Forces deserve.

Go!