Overview
- JKBOPEE’s inaugural list for SMVDIME shows 42 of 50 MBBS seats going to Muslim students, with reports that dozens have already enrolled.
- A BJP delegation led by Sunil Sharma submitted a memorandum to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha seeking revocation or review and urging faith-based eligibility or legal changes.
- Raj Bhavan indicated the matter is being examined, while VHP, Bajrang Dal and allied groups press for Hindu priority or minority status for the shrine-funded institute.
- SMVDIME officials say admissions followed NEET merit under JKBOPEE rules and emphasize the college lacks minority status, so religion-based quotas cannot be applied.
- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejects religion-based admissions, citing the university act and constitutional secularism and saying any departure from merit would require court approval.