‘Excitement of patriotism’: BJP minister apologises again for remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Madhya Pradesh Cabinet minister Vijay Shah apologised once again on Saturday for his objectionable remarks targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, saying the comments were made in the “excitement of patriotism”.

This came two days before the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter relating to his prosecution for the remarks. It is also the fourth time Shah has apologised since the controversy erupted in May.

In a video posted on social media, Shah said he had no intention of insulting a woman officer, the Indian Army or any section of society, and claimed that his words did not reflect his feelings.

“Those words were uttered in the enthusiasm, excitement and passion of patriotism,” he said. “The sentiment behind the mistake should be considered. You all know that I had no malicious intent.”

He added that he had apologised earlier and was doing so again, saying it was “extremely painful” for him that a controversy had arisen from what he described as a “small mistake”.

जोश में कही गई मेरी बातों से यदि किसी की भावनाएँ आहत हुई हैं, तो मैं तहे दिल से माफी चाहता हूँ। भारतीय सेना का मैं सदैव ऋणी और सम्मानकर्ता रहा हूँ। कृपया मेरी इस मानवीय भूल को क्षमा करें। pic.twitter.com/7KsgylSn2I— Dr. Kunwar Vijay...

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