NC opposed to alcohol consumption, PDP should recall its own stand: Tanvir Sadiq

Budgam, May 11: National Conference chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Monday hit back at PDP leader Iltija Mufti over her remarks on a liquor ban, saying those raising the demand should first recall their own party’s past position on alcohol consumption.

In Budgam, Sadiq referred to statements made by the PDP’s former Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu in the Assembly that alcohol would not be banned during the previous PDP-led government.

“Those speaking about a liquor ban today are the same people whose Finance Minister had categorically stated in the Assembly that alcohol would not be banned. Some of their leaders have themselves spoken casually about drinking, and now they are trying to lecture others,” he said.

Sadiq reiterated that no Muslim supports alcohol consumption and said the National Conference stands firmly against drinking in any form.

“We are Muslims, and no Muslim supports alcohol consumption. The National Conference is completely opposed to drinking and to encouraging it in any manner. We do not want alcohol to be consumed here,” he added.

His remarks came after Iltija Mufti questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the issue, stating that if states like Bihar and Gujarat could impose a liquor ban, the same could be considered in Jammu and Kashmir. She also said that no religion promotes alcohol consumption—(KNO)