Pachmarhi (MP): Union Ministers Amit Shah and Bhupendra Yadav on Saturday advised Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to avoid making contentious remarks, emphasising that “restraint in speech is the most important virtue” and “sometimes, it is wiser to stay silent.”

The ministers made these remarks during a three-day BJP training camp held at Pachmarhi, a hill station in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram district, India Today reported.

The advice comes in the wake of a controversy sparked by Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah’s remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, which triggered public outrage.

Colonel Qureshi had been part of the team handling media briefings for Operation Sindoor.

Though the minister later apologised, his comments drew sharp criticism.

‘Mistakes must not be repeated,’ says Amit Shah

In what appeared to be a veiled reference to the controversy, Amit Shah, during his keynote address, remarked, “Mistakes happen but they must not be repeated.”

He also reminded party members of the need to remain grounded, stating, “No matter how senior or experienced one becomes, they must always remain a student.”

Shah was referring to Vijay Shah, confirms minister

Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Karan Verma later clarified that Shah’s comments were indeed in response to Vijay Shah’s controversial statement.

“He acknowledged that mistakes can happen to anyone, but made it clear that repetition is unacceptable,” Verma said.