SRINAGAR, May 16: National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Saturday termed the BJP’s protest against liquor sales in Jammu and Kashmir a “farce”, questioning its silence during the Governor’s rule in 2023 even as he promised that the Omar Abdullah government would impose a ban “very soon”.
“It’s a good thing that they did a protest. But unfortunately, when the Governor’s rule was in place, they were not behind it,” Sadiq told reporters as per Kashmir Convener.
Taking a swipe at the BJP’s threat of a hunger strike until a ban is imposed, the NC leader said: “They said that until it is banned, we will sit on a hunger strike. They should do the hunger strike for those who made the policy during the Governor’s rule in 2023. They didn’t do anything then.”
MLA Sadiq said the NC understood public sentiment on the issue. “I won’t go into this too much. But I will promise you one thing — when it is banned, the National Conference will do it, and they will do it very soon,” he said.
Asked whether the ban would come during the upcoming autumn session of the Assembly, he replied: “We will do it. We understand people’s sentiments. People in Kashmir want action on this. God willing, Omar Abdullah’s government will do its best.”\
On cabinet expansion, Sadiq said it was the Chief Minister’s prerogative. Refuting corruption allegations against his party’s ministers, he added: “In our government, no minister or MLA is involved in any malpractice, irregularities, or corruption.”
On Friday, scores of BJP leaders and activists marched towards Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Srinagar residence, demanding a complete ban on liquor sales in the Union Territory. Police later detained several leaders to foil the march.
“We are protesting against the sale of liquor. We believe there has to be a liquor-free campaign in tune with the drug-free drive in J&K. Unfortunately, CM Abdullah is justifying the sale of liquor by saying those who want to drink should do so. We condemn his statement,” said BJP spokesman Sajid Yousuf Shah.
Speaking exclusive with Kashmir Convener BJP general secretary Ashok Koul said the party had always stood against alcohol in J&K, adding that it even conducts awareness programmes. “We will fight and will go for a mass protest for its ban not only in Kashmir but also in Jammu. We will force the government to put a complete ban on it. CM Abdullah is making excuses, citing the Centre, but the reality is he can take a step. Unfortunately, he is not serious,” Koul said.
Earlier this week, Omar Abdullah had sparked a controversy after linking alcohol consumption to freedom of choice, saying his government had not increased the number of liquor shops in the Union Territory.
“Has anybody forced you to drink? You are going to liquor shops by your own choice. Why do you go? We are not dragging you there,” Omar had said when asked about liquor shops. “We are not even advertising liquor sales. Our government has not increased the number of alcohol shops.”
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