A fresh political controversy erupted in Lucknow as a banner was seen outside the Samajwadi Party office with a fiery message: “Sofiya ka apmaan, desh ka apmaan hai. BJP desh se maafi maange.” The statement is being interpreted as a sharp rebuke to Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, who recently made derogatory comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a respected officer of the Indian Army.

The Samajwadi Party has seized on the issue, accusing the BJP of disrespecting women serving in uniform. “When a decorated officer like Colonel Sofiya is insulted, it’s not just an attack on her—it’s an insult to the nation,” a senior SP leader said, demanding a public apology from the BJP.

The controversy follows closely on the heels of SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav’s own contentious comments involving Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, which drew criticism from political opponents.