As the confrontation over allocation of medical seats in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute continues, A high-level delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called on National President of the party and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in New Delhi to discuss the escalating tension surrounding the issue in the region. Nadda is said to have ordered leagl review in the matter.
The row erupted after majority of MBBS seats have been given to Muslim community candidatess at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Kakryal.The delegation, led by J&K BJP President and Member Parliament (Lok Sabha) Sat Sharma, included MoS PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, and MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Dr. D.K. Manyal, and R.S. Pathania.
The meeting was convened amid widespread anger in the Jammu region, especially within the Hindu community, after 42 out of 50 MBBS seats at SMVDIME were reportedly allotted to Muslim students. The development triggered protests, with several groups questioning how admissions could be made without considering the sentiments of millions of Hindu devotees whose offerings finance the Shrine Board and its institutions, including the newly established medical college.
Sources told Newspoint that the meeting, originally scheduled for 11 a.m., was delayed due to proceedings in the ongoing winter session of Parliament. It finally commenced at 1 p.m. and continued for about 30 minutes.According to insiders, the BJP leaders from Jammu strongly conveyed that the matter is “extremely sensitive” and must be examined from all constitutional, legal, and religious angles. They stressed that since the Shrine Board’s expenses are largely met through donations made by devotees at the holy cave shrine, the sentiments of the Hindu community must be given due weightage while formulating a resolution.
Sources further revealed that J.P. Nadda has sought legal advice from the Ministry of Law and Justice, along with a detailed constitutional assessment. It is also likely that Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha may be called to New Delhi soon to present the viewpoint of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and assist in arriving at an acceptable solution.
Meanhile, during his visit to Rajouri, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah firmly stated that seats cannot be allocated on the basis of religion. His remarks came in response to the controversy that recently erupted over admissions at Mata Vaishno Devi University. Speaking to the media, Omar Abdullah stressed that educational opportunities must remain free from any religious discrimination. He added that policies should be guided by merit and fairness, not communal considerations.
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