PM Modi Warns NDA Leaders Against Indiscreet Remarks Amid Row Over Controversial Statements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday cautioned NDA leaders against making loose or controversial remarks, urging strict discipline in public communication. The directive came during a high-level meeting with Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states in the national capital, sources said.
The meeting, which primarily focused on good governance, came amid political backlash over recent controversial statements by BJP leaders on Operation Sindoor and the Indian Army.
According to sources, PM Modi expressed disapproval over recent comments that have sparked criticism and embarrassment for the party. “Avoid speaking anything, anywhere,” the Prime Minister reportedly told party leaders, underscoring the importance of measured communication in public life.
The warning comes in the backdrop of controversial remarks by BJP MLA Vijay Shah from Madhya Pradesh and Deputy CM Jagdish Devda.
At a government function, Shah had remarked that PM Modi had sent a “sister from the same community” as Pakistanis to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. His comment, referencing Colonel Sofia Qureshi, one of the Army officers who briefed on Operation Sindoor, triggered massive outrage.
Deputy CM Jagdish Devda added fuel to the fire by saying the Indian Army should bow to Prime Minister Modi—a statement widely condemned by opposition parties.
Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi distanced himself from Shah’s statement, calling him a “fool” and a “laughing stock.” The party has not yet issued an official disciplinary notice, but insiders suggest the Prime Minister’s comments may be a precursor to internal action.
The Congress and other opposition parties have seized on the controversy, labelling the remarks “shameful” and an insult to the armed forces. Congress has announced statewide protests in response.
Party spokespersons said the BJP is attempting to politicise military operations for electoral gains, adding that such statements undermine the professionalism and sacrifice of the Indian Army.
During the meeting, PM Modi also clarified there was no third-party involvement in the ceasefire declared post-Operation Sindoor. He said the decision came following a direct request from Pakistan, dismissing conspiracy theories that had surfaced in recent days.
Besides damage control, the NDA meeting also discussed other governance priorities, including caste-based enumeration and development programs. Party strategists believe that keeping the focus on delivery and governance is essential as key state elections and national-level political developments loom.
