Sofiya Qureshi, Vyomika Singh On KBC Set In Uniform Stir Row

The appearance of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who were the faces of Operation Sindoor and led the media briefings, on a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has sparked a controversy, with social media users slamming the use of armed forces for "PR" and "political mileage". Their appearance in uniform also became an issue, as it was called, against protocol.

Apart from the two officers, the special Independence Day episode will feature Commander Prerna Deosthalee, who last year became the first-ever woman officer to be handed over the command of a warship in the Indian Navy. A short teaser of the episode, which will be aired on August 15, was shared by the makers recently, showing the officers being accorded a grand welcome by KBC host Amitabh Bachchan.

Against Protocol!

Army dress regulations stipulate that the official uniform cannot be worn at cultural events or social gatherings. Moreover, it can't be worn when visiting public places or restaurants, while travelling on public transport or when travelling in a civilian aircraft. It further says that the official uniform can't be worn when participating in non-official recognised activities, unless authorised in writing by the commanding officer.

Recently, Malayalam movie star Mohanlal, who was feted with honorary Lieutenant Colonel's rank two years ago, was accused of misusing his uniform for commercial purposes by appearing in Kerala government advertisements. Mohanlal, however, denied the charges.

Netizens Raised Fingers

However, the optics of the two officers appearing on a reality show and speaking about the operation have not gone down well with netizens. Several also questioned the "compulsion" of inviting the officers fully uniformed.

"Have you ever seen anything like this after a military operation in any serious country? How is this even allowed for someone in service? The current regime is shamelessly using our forces for its petty politics and hyper-nationalism," one user said.

Another question is whether the armed forces protocol allows sending officers on reality shows like KBC. "The Indian Armed Forces have some protocol, some dignity, and huge respect. Politicians are ruining it for their personal benefit. That's shameful," he said. A third commented, "Our Army was sacrosanct, above politics, beyond PR. Our forces are to defend the nation, not a politician's brand."