NC Criticises BJP After J&K Leader Denied Hotel Accommodation In Maharashtra

A political controversy has erupted after a senior Jammu and Kashmir BJP leader alleged that he was denied hotel accommodation in Maharashtra due to his Kashmiri identity, prompting sharp reactions from the National Conference (NC), which accused the BJP of hypocrisy over its past political narrative. Sajid Yousuf Shah, BJP’s J&K state co-media in-charge, claimed in a post on social media platform X that he was asked to vacate a hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) shortly after check-in.

According to Shah, the decision was linked to concerns raised over his Kashmiri identity, despite initially being allowed to check in. Shah said the hotel owner was polite and candid, but admitted the decision was taken based on instructions. He described the experience as “deeply saddening” and questioned whether citizens should face discrimination based on their place of origin. Shah clarified that he was not seeking sympathy but highlighting broader concerns about fairness and equal treatment.

In his statement, Shah added that he has travelled widely across India, including Maharashtra and Delhi, and has generally felt welcomed. However, he said incidents like these reflect lingering stereotypes and a lack of trust that continue to affect Kashmiri travellers. He further noted that while he personally has access to premium accommodation, the concern lies with ordinary citizens who may face similar treatment.

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The allegation quickly triggered a political response in Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar strongly criticised the BJP, saying the incident was a “taste of its own medicine” and accusing the party of promoting divisive politics. He argued that such experiences reflect the consequences of polarising rhetoric and added that even individuals associated with the BJP ecosystem were now facing exclusion.

Dar further claimed that acceptance and belonging were increasingly becoming conditional in parts of the country, and described the incident as a broader reminder of the social impact of identity-based discrimination. He also suggested it should serve as a wake-up call for those aligned with the BJP’s political ideology.

As the controversy continues to gain traction, there has been no official response yet from the hotel management or Maharashtra authorities regarding the allegations. The incident has added to ongoing debates around regional identity, discrimination, and political responsibility in ensuring equal treatment for citizens across states.

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