Says NC alone will ban alcohol in J&K
Srinagar, May 16: National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of enacting drama over the liquor sale issue in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the NC alone would ensure a ban on alcohol in the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters here, Sadiq said the BJP remained silent when the liquor policy was framed during the period of Lieutenant Governor’s rule.
“The BJP protested a lot. It is good that they protested. But unfortunately, when the policy was made during (Lieutenant) Governor’s rule, they were nowhere to be seen,” he said.
The NC chief spokesperson said his party understands the public sentiment, particularly in Kashmir, regarding the issue of alcohol sale and promised that the Omar Abdullah-led government would act on it soon.
“I won’t go much into politics, but I will promise one thing: when it comes to banning liquor, the National Conference will do it and do it very soon,” he said.
Referring to the BJP leaders’ protest and hunger strike call, he said. “First, they should go on a hunger strike against those who made the policy during (Lieutenant) Governor’s rule in 2023,” he said.
When asked whether the government would move on the issue during the upcoming autumn session of the Assembly, Sadiq replied, “We will do it.”
Replying to a question about a possible cabinet expansion, Sadiq said it was entirely the prerogative of the Chief Minister. “That is the prerogative of the honourable Chief Minister. He will do whatever he wants to do,” he said.
The NC Chief Spokesperson also hit back at opposition parties over allegations of corruption against NC ministers and legislators, particularly targeting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “If you remember, when the PDP was in power, there was a senior PDP leader who had a rate list. Everybody knows his name,” he said. “Those who do such things point fingers at us. First look into themselves.”
Sadiq said the party leadership would take immediate action if any complaint of wrongdoing surfaced against any minister or MLA. “If anyone has a complaint against a minister or an MLA, bring it to the leadership. There will be immediate action on it,” he said.
He said no NC minister or legislator was involved in malpractice, corruption or irregularities. “In our government, no minister or MLA is involved in any malpractice, irregularities or corruption,” he said—(KNO)
