Iltija Mufti on Monday criticised Omar Abdullah over his remarks regarding a possible alcohol ban in Jammu and Kashmir.
The People’s Democratic Party leader said Abdullah’s refusal to prohibit liquor shops on the grounds that Hindus are allowed to consume alcohol in their religion was “illogical”.
In a post on X, Iltija Mufti questioned why states like Gujarat and Bihar — both Hindu-majority states — had successfully implemented alcohol bans if religion was being used as the main argument.
She wrote that Jammu and Kashmir takes pride in its secular identity but described it as “unfortunate and insensitive” for the Chief Minister to ignore the religious feelings of the majority population.
The remarks came after Omar Abdullah addressed the issue while speaking to reporters in Ganderbal on Sunday.
Responding to questions about demands for a liquor ban, Abdullah said his government was not forcing anyone to consume alcohol.
“Is anyone forcing them to drink? You are going to the shop on your own will. Why are you going there? We are not dragging you there. We are not advertising it,” the Chief Minister said.
The issue has once again sparked political debate in Jammu and Kashmir, with different parties expressing opposing views over alcohol sales and public policy in the Union Territory.