ibn sultan
Budgam, Dec 1: National Conference leader and MLA Beerwah, Dr Shafi Ahmed Wani, on Monday launched a sharp attack on BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma over his remarks on the admission of Muslim students at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, saying the issue exposes what he described as a divisive and ideological mindset.
Reacting to the controversy, Dr Wani said Sharma’s statements reflect an approach that is “anti-Muslim, discriminatory and socially dangerous.”
“Though he is an MLA and deserves respect in his position, his politics is fascist and communal in nature. He earns political mileage through division. We cannot expect anything better from him,” Wani said.
He accused the BJP leader of promoting a narrative that undermines India’s constitutional and democratic character, stating that educational institutions cannot be run on the basis of religion.
“Across the world, universities function on merit. No institution admits or rejects students based on religion. This mindset takes us backward and damages national unity,” he said.
Dr Wani further said Muslim citizens have contributed extensively to academia, economy, defence forces and institutions across the globe and reducing them to a questioned identity was both unjust and dangerous.
He also criticised Sharma’s remarks as irresponsible and lacking basic understanding of education policy. “Instead of issuing communal statements, he should do his homework and respect the Constitution,” Wani added.
Notably, the controversy erupted after Sunil Sharma raised objections to the admission pattern at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, particularly in a professional course where a large number of Muslim students were selected through merit-based admissions.
Sharma publicly objected to the intake, questioning how a majority of selected students belonged to one religious group and suggesting that admission policy should reflect the religious character associated with the shrine-linked institution. [KNT]
