Disorder Breaks Out in Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly as Opposition Pushes for Minister's Departure
Madhya Pradesh Assembly Disrupted Amidst Ongoing Investigation of Minister Vijay Shah
The Madhya Pradesh Assembly's monsoon session was disrupted on its fifth day, with the House finally adjourned until August 4. The disruption was due to a series of events surrounding Cabinet Minister Vijay Shah, who is currently under investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for his controversial remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi made in May 2025.
The controversy began at a public event in Indore’s Mhow on May 11, where Shah allegedly insulted Colonel Qureshi, a prominent Army officer involved in 'Operation Sindoor'. Following national outrage and court orders, a three-member SIT was constituted on May 19 to conduct a thorough probe into the matter.
The SIT has been gathering evidence, including statements from over 125 individuals, and is expected to submit its final report by August 13, 2025. The Supreme Court, led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, has reprimanded Vijay Shah for not issuing a proper public apology, calling his social media video apology inadequate and signaling suspicion about his intentions.
Opposition parties have demanded Shah’s resignation, and the Madhya Pradesh High Court previously condemned his remarks and ordered police action. Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar accused the state government of ignoring the Supreme Court’s orders regarding Vijay Shah's public apology.
During the House proceedings, when Minister Vijay Shah rose to respond to a departmental query, the House reverberated with slogans of "Vijay Shah resign". In response, Umang Singhar criticized the government for protecting Vijay Shah instead of making him apologize. He also mocked Vijay Shah's brief appearance in the Assembly, comparing it to a comet's appearance and disappearance.
The government, however, defended its actions. Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya accused Congress of speaking "Pakistan's language" and disrespecting the dignity of the House. Cabinet Minister Vishwas Sarang lashed out at the Congress, saying they turned the House into a political battleground and created a ruckus over a question related to gas victims. He further accused Congress of consistently insulting the armed forces and questioned the right of Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, to be in the Assembly.
The opposition MLAs launched a sharp attack against Minister Vijay Shah, with the attack being in response to demands for Minister Vijay Shah's resignation. The government is accused of avoiding important discussions on tribal evictions by changing the subject.
As the investigation continues, the SIT is expected to file its next response before the Supreme Court on August 13. The outcome of the investigation and the Supreme Court's decision will likely have significant implications for Minister Vijay Shah and the Madhya Pradesh government.
[1] The Indian Express, "SIT to probe Vijay Shah’s controversial remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi", May 20, 2025. [2] Hindustan Times, "Supreme Court expresses dissatisfaction with Vijay Shah's online apology", May 25, 2025. [3] NDTV, "SC asks Vijay Shah to issue public apology over controversial remarks", May 26, 2025. [4] The Hindu, "Madhya Pradesh High Court condemns Vijay Shah's remarks, orders police action", June 1, 2025.
[1] Amid the ongoing investigation of Minister Vijay Shah for his controversial remarks, the discussion of policy and legislation in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly has been overshadowed by war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and politics.
[2] In the general news, controversies surrounding Minister Vijay Shah have led to disruptions in the Assembly's monsoon session, with opposition parties demanding resignation and the Supreme Court signaling suspicion about his intentions.
