The political firestorm around the Indian armed forces’ officers continues. After BJP minister Vijay Shah’s controversial remark calling Colonel Sophia the “sister of terrorists,” fresh controversy has erupted—this time involving Indian Air Force Wing Commander Bhoumika Singh. While attacking the BJP minister, Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav brought up the caste of Bhoumika Singh, drawing widespread backlash.
🔥 SP MP’s Caste-Based Remark Fuels Fresh Controversy
In a public speech, Ram Gopal Yadav said, “A BJP minister insulted Colonel Qureshi. But he probably doesn’t know who Bhoumika Singh or Air Marshal AK Bharti is. If he had, he would’ve targeted them too.”
He went further, stating that Bhoumika belongs to the Jatav community from Haryana, while Bharti hails from the Yadav community in Purnia, Bihar. “All three—Sophia, Bhoumika, and Bharti—belong to PDA (Backward, Dalit, Minority). One was insulted for being Muslim. The other was spared because she was assumed to be Rajput. The third was untouched perhaps because her identity was unknown,” he added.
⚔️ Yogi Adityanath Hits Back: ‘Army Uniform Has No Religion or Caste’
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath lashed out at Yadav’s comment, saying, “One cannot view the army through the lens of caste. Every soldier of the Indian army serves the nation—not any religion or caste.” He also accused Ram Gopal Yadav of having a narrow mindset and politicizing national service.
💣 How It Started: Vijay Shah’s Comment on Colonel Sophia
The controversy began when Madhya Pradesh Tribal Development Minister Vijay Shah said at a public event in Indore:
“Those who wiped off the sindoor of our mothers and daughters were taught a lesson using their own sisters. Modi ji used their community’s sister to strike back.”
Although he did not name Sophia directly, his remark was clearly aimed at her. The Congress and civil society condemned the statement, demanding his resignation. The Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered an FIR against him, a directive later upheld by the Supreme Court. On Thursday, the apex court censured Vijay Shah for his derogatory comments.
⚖️ Should the Armed Forces Be Dragged Into Caste Politics?
Experts argue that bringing caste and religion into discussions about armed forces officers diminishes their dignity and service. These officers, including Sophia and Bhoumika, have represented India globally and stood up against enemy propaganda in critical moments like Operation Sindoor.
During joint press briefings by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian armed forces after Operation Sindoor, both Sophia and Bhoumika regularly appeared to explain the extent of damage caused to Pakistan and debunk Islamabad’s false claims.
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