MP Dy CM’s ‘Army bows to Modi’ remark triggers row

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda on Friday said the country, its Army and soldiers have “bowed down at the feet” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, prompting the Congress to dub it an insult to the valour of the armed forces.

The BJP leader later claimed his statement was “distorted” by the opposition party, and he meant to say the people have bowed before the Army after seeing its valour during the successful execution of Operation Sindoor.

The controversy followed after another Madhya Pradesh minister, Vijay Shah, came under fire for remarks about Col Sofiya Qureshi, who conducted media briefings on Operation Sindoor along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.

Devda, who is the Finance Minister of BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, was speaking at a function of civil defence volunteers in Jabalpur.

“We want to thank the PM. The entire country, its Army and soldiers are ‘natmastak’ (with their heads bowed) at his feet. The entire country has bowed at his feet,” he said.

Words are not enough to praise the reply given to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor, the BJP leader said, adding, “Let’s give a big round of applause to him (Modi).”

As Devda’s potentially controversial remark followed the row over Vijay Shah’s statement, the Congress trained its guns on the BJP, accusing it of “constantly insulting the Army” while demanding the minister’s immediate removal.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said if Deora was not removed, “it will be assumed that his statement is in agreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP”.

Shrinate said, “It was is a sin to say such a thing about the Army. But the BJP and its leaders are doing this repeatedly. Every person in the country has respect for our Army and the entire nation is grateful because it is because of the Army that we are able to remain safe.”