BJP’s Liquor Ban Protest a ‘Farce’, Says Tanvir Sadiq | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: National Conference chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Saturday criticised the BJP over its protest against liquor sales, questioning the party’s silence during the 2023 Governor’s rule, while asserting that the Omar Abdullah-led government would impose a ban on alcohol “very soon”

“It is a good thing that they held a protest. But unfortunately, during Governor’s rule, they were nowhere to be seen,” Sadiq told reporters in Srinagar.

Referring to the BJP’s warning of a hunger strike until prohibition is imposed, the NC leader said the party should instead protest against those responsible for framing the excise policy during Governor’s rule in 2023.

“They said they would sit on a hunger strike until liquor is banned. They should go on a hunger strike against those who introduced the policy during Governor’s rule. They did nothing at that time,” he said.

Sadiq said the National Conference government understood public sentiment on the issue and reiterated that action would be taken soon.

“I will not go into this in detail, but I can assure you of one thing — if liquor is banned, the National Conference will do it, and it will happen very soon,” he said.

When asked whether the prohibition move would be introduced during the upcoming autumn session of the Assembly, Sadiq said the government was committed to addressing public concerns.

“We understand the sentiments of the people. People in Kashmir want action on this issue. God willing, Omar Abdullah’s government will do its best,” he added.

On the issue of cabinet expansion, Sadiq said the matter falls within the Chief Minister’s prerogative.

Rejecting allegations of corruption against National Conference ministers, he said, “In our government, no minister or MLA is involved in malpractice, irregularities or corruption.” (KNS)