Key Points:
- Vijay Shah missed Tuesday’s cabinet meeting in Indore amid growing controversy
- Supreme Court ordered SIT investigation into his objectionable remarks about Colonel Sophia Qureshi
- Congress demands Shah’s dismissal from cabinet despite his apology
- Historic cabinet meeting held at Rajbada Palace focused on “Developed Madhya Pradesh 2047” vision
Indore: Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Vijay Shah was notably absent from Tuesday’s state cabinet meeting in Indore, fueling speculation about his possible removal amid the ongoing controversy over his alleged derogatory remarks against Indian Army Colonel Sophia Qureshi. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at the historic Rajbada Palace, proceeded without Shah, who oversees the Tribal Affairs Department, Public Asset Management Department, and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department.
Supreme Court Takes Serious Note of Controversial Remarks
The controversy stems from Shah’s alleged objectionable comments about Colonel Qureshi during a ‘Halma’ (tribal community participation) program in Raikunda village, Indore district, on May 12. Colonel Qureshi had previously shared information about “Operation Sindoor” with the media, which apparently prompted Shah’s inappropriate remarks. Following the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s cognizance of the matter, an FIR was registered against Shah at Manpur police station on serious charges. The Supreme Court has since intervened, ordering the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to thoroughly investigate the case.
Opposition Intensifies Call for Minister’s Dismissal
State Congress President Jitu Patwari has renewed demands for Shah’s immediate dismissal from the cabinet. “The Supreme Court and the High Court have strongly reprimanded Shah for his objectionable remarks on Colonel Qureshi. His apology has been rejected. Despite this, why has no decision been taken on the dismissal of Shah?” Patwari questioned in a statement. The mounting political pressure adds another dimension to the controversy that has already drawn national attention.
Historic Cabinet Meeting Focuses on Future Vision
The cabinet meeting itself was steeped in cultural and historical significance. Before discussions began, Chief Minister Yadav and his cabinet members were welcomed with traditional Malvi turbans. A statue of Goddess Ahilyabai was prominently placed near the Chief Minister’s chair during the proceedings. The meeting primarily focused on brainstorming the vision document for “Developed Madhya Pradesh 2047.”
Rajbada Palace Hosts First-Ever Cabinet Meeting
In a historic first for independent India, the state cabinet meeting was held at the Rajbada Palace, the former seat of the Holkar dynasty. The meeting coincided with the completion of the 300th birth anniversary year of Devi Ahilyabai, and Chief Minister Yadav formally inaugurated conservation and restoration work of the Darbar Hall. The palace, a major tourist attraction, was specially decorated to reflect its historical grandeur for this unprecedented governmental gathering.
As the investigation into Shah’s remarks continues, all eyes remain on Chief Minister Yadav’s next move regarding the embattled minister’s future in the state cabinet.
