MBBS list row: Admissions should be based on merit, not religion, says J&K CM

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s statement comes two days after the BJP submitted a memorandum to J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding cancellation of this year’s MBBS list of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. | Photo Credit: PTI
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday, November 24, 2025, opposed any attempt to admit students based on their faith and stated that “admissions should be based on merit and not religion”.
“When the J&K Assembly passed the bill for establishment of Mata Vaishno Devi University in 1999, where did it say that boys and girls belonging to the same religion would be excluded? The law clearly allows admissions based on merit alone. Now, when admission decisions come after merit, some people become unhappy,” he said.
Mr. Abdullah’s statement comes two days after the BJP submitted a memorandum to J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding cancellation of this year’s MBBS list of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra. This year, 42 Muslim students were eligible to participate in MBBS courses out of a total of 50 quotas in the university. The BJP also sought the LG’s intervention to reserve all seats in the university for Hindus as “this issue was brought up with donations from Hindu devotees”.
Mr Abdullah, however, stated that the narrative circulating around Mata Vaishno Devi University admissions was an attempt to “move away from constitutional principles”.
“Making admissions decisions based on religion could set a precedent affecting other public services,” Mr. Abdullah said. He said the law does not restrict admission to any religious group.
Mr Abdullah said any attempt to evade merit would need the Supreme Court’s approval. “If you want to grant admissions without merit, then you have to approach the Supreme Court. Admission cannot be granted without merit. Including religion in admissions violates constitutional provisions. When religion becomes a factor in corporate decisions, it can affect other areas of administration as well,” said Mr. Abdullah.
“Can similar principles be followed in welfare programs or the police force? Can duties be based on religion?” he added.
He asked BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma to “examine the relevant Parliament Bill”.
Mr. Abdullah added, “What is the mistake of the candidates who are accepted based on merit? They should also clearly say that Muslims will not be treated in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi hospital.”
Grand Mufti of Kashmir Nasir-ul-Islam also opposed this move. Condemning the Red Fort explosion that killed 15 civilians in New Delhi on November 10, Islam said, “Is India a secular country? Did Muslims fight and participate in the freedom struggle? The BJP needs to ensure that there is harmony and brotherhood in the country.”
It was published – 25 November 2025 02:12 IST




