MP Deputy CM’s ‘Indian Army Bows to PM Modi’ Remark Triggers Political Storm

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda stirred controversy on Friday after a video surfaced of him claiming that the Indian Army “bows at Prime Minister Modi’s feet.”

The video, widely circulated on social media, showed Devda making the contentious remark during a speech on Operation Sindoor. Opposition party Congress condemned the statement, calling it “shameful” and an “insult to the Indian Army’s valour.”

Congress posted the video on X (formerly Twitter), writing in Hindi: “This statement of Jagdish Devda is very cheap and shameful. It is an insult to the valour and bravery of the Indian Army.”

The party further demanded an apology and removal of Devda from his post, saying, “When the whole country is bowing before the Army, BJP leaders are showing their low thinking.”

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya responded sharply, accusing the Congress of misrepresenting Devda’s words.

“Deliberately twisting the statement of MP Deputy CM Jagdish Devda is an attempt to spread lies. The full quote was about the country bowing at the feet of our brave soldiers,” Malviya posted on X.

He added, “#OperationSindoor has shaken both Pakistan and Congress. Devda is also being targeted because he comes from the Dalit community.”

Devda made the remark while speaking about Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military operation in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.

The political row comes close on the heels of another controversy involving Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah.

The Indian Armed Forces launched a high-precision operation on May 7, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The government has since praised the operation as a decisive show of military strength.

A video shared by Congress showed Shah using a controversial metaphor referencing Col. Sofiya Qureshi and the Army’s response to the Pahalgam attack. After facing criticism, Shah issued a clarification, saying his remarks were meant to honour Qureshi’s role in the mission.

“She is a sister who has enhanced our prestige. It should not be seen in any other context,” Shah told PTI.