J&K BJP asks Nadda to review admission of 42 Muslim MBBS students in Vaishnodevi Board run institute

A BJP delegation from Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday met Union minister for Health JP Nadda and urged him to review the controversial admission of 42 Muslim MBBS candidates in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra, that has 50 seats.

The institute is run by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).

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The delegation comprised J&K BJP President and MP (Rajya Sabha) Sat Sharma, Union Minister in PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, Leader of opposition Sunil Sharma, MP (Lok Sabha) Jugal Kishore Sharma, MP (Rajya Sabha) Ghulam Ali Khatana, MLAs Dr. Devinder Manyal, Sham Lal Sharma and RS Pathania.

According to a BJP statement, they conveyed to Nadda the deep resentment brewing among devotees and civil society groups over the composition of the first batch of 50 MBBS seats.

They said that 42 out of the 50 seats have been allotted to non-Hindu candidates, a development that has triggered strong reactions among devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi and among those who have contributed financially to the shrine.

The delegation informed the Minister that various social and religious organizations were holding protests, expressing dissatisfaction and demanding transparency and corrective measures in the admission process.

They cautioned that if the issue is not addressed promptly, a large-scale agitation could emerge in the coming days, potentially disturbing the peaceful environment of the region.

These party leaders said that while the BJP respects the merit-based and constitutional framework of medical admissions, it is equally important to acknowledge the sentiments of millions of devotees associated with the shrine.

They urged the Union Health Minister to understand the gravity of the situation and intervene appropriately so that a solution can be found that respects the emotional connection devotees have with SMVD institutions.

The delegation appealed for a thorough review of the admission process, greater transparency, and consideration of mechanisms that ensure devotees feel represented and reassured.

Nadda gave the delegation a patient hearing and assured them that the matter would be examined with due seriousness. He assured that the Ministry would look into all aspects of the issue and take appropriate steps to address the concerns raised, while ensuring compliance with national medical education norms, the BJP statement said