BJP workers staged a protest in Srinagar on Friday demanding a liquor ban in Jammu and Kashmir. Scores marched toward Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence on the high-security Gupkar Road but were intercepted by police and temporarily detained at Ram Munshi Bagh police station. Protesters accused the ruling National Conference government of “hypocrisy,” alleging Abdullah reneged on a pre-October 2024 election promise to ban liquor. They also criticized the government for pointing blame to the BJP-led Centre while refusing to act once in power.
Jammu and Kashmir politics hit a new high in Srinagar as the BJP accused the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government of prioritising “revenue over morality” by allowing liquor shops. BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur warned that if licensing policy isn’t reversed, party workers will physically shut outlets and keep protests going. The BJP also demanded a complete ban on sale and purchase in the Kashmir division. Omar Abdullah defended the approach, saying no new shops are opening and alcohol is only permitted where religious beliefs allow choice.
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PDP leader Iltija Mufti sharply criticized Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah for refusing an alcohol ban, arguing his justification—that Hindus may drink because religion permits it—doesn’t add up. Posting on X, Mufti demanded to know how Hindu-majority states like Gujarat and Bihar managed alcohol prohibitions “without a whimper.” She also said Abdullah dismissed religious sensibilities of the majority with indifference. Abdullah, meanwhile, defended his stance by saying people aren’t being forced to drink.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has reduced his official convoy size by 50%, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to cut official cavalcades and save fuel. Police sources say Nalin Prabhat and IG Security Sujit Kumar have also scaled down their convoys recently, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reportedly continues with the same security setup in the Kashmir Valley.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, raising the restoration of statehood and the rationalisation of reservations. Abdullah reiterated his push for statehood restoration, while the Union government has said it would come after delimitation and assembly elections. The meeting also touched on Jammu and Kashmir’s security and economic situation.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called the state’s dual power structure a “recipe for disaster”, urging full statehood and criticizing the present administration as the worst. He said talks with the Centre on business rules are making progress, while accusing “vested interests” of trying to divide Jammu and Srinagar. Abdullah also backed restoring the Darbar Move to connect regions.
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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused the BJP of obstructing governance in the Union Territory, saying the party is using the statehood issue to pressure the elected government. Abdullah also claimed delays around cabinet expansion reflect political tactics rather than administrative reasons, escalating tensions over J&K statehood restoration.
The Peoples Democratic Party has accused Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of removing Urdu from official records. PDP leader Iltija Mufti claims the move is meant to erase the language from the region’s history and culture, pointing to two revenue department notifications issued under Abdullah’s administration as evidence.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned a shooting outside a Washington venue where US President Donald Trump was present, saying violence has no place in politics. Abdullah expressed relief that Trump escaped unharmed and urged a peaceful, democratic approach amid rising global tensions. The statement highlights the need to keep political differences away from harm and intimidation.
Mehbooba Mufti said she regretfully tightened the Public Safety Act on youth during her tenure, while taking credit for revoking 12,000 FIRs against young people. She criticized the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government for its handling of similar issues, urging PDP workers to stay united and gear up for upcoming elections.
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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hit back at BJP leader Sunil Sharma’s comments on statehood restoration. Sharma argued the process should not be tied to any political leader or family, while also questioning the current government’s performance. Abdullah, meanwhile, accused the central government of using the delay as “punishment,” adding fresh heat to the political dispute.
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