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Vaishno Devi Medical College Row Deepens as BJP Presses Faith-Based Seats, CM Stands by Merit

Officials say the college lacks minority status, putting demands for Hindu-only seats on legally shaky ground.

Overview

  • A newly formed Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti held a protest in Ramban and threatened a broader agitation if the MBBS list is not withdrawn.
  • BJP leaders, led by Sunil Sharma, continue to push for reserving seats for Hindus and devotees after submitting a memorandum that the Lieutenant Governor accepted.
  • Chief Minister Omar Abdullah insists admissions followed NEET merit and says any community preference would require minority status or a court-sanctioned change.
  • National Conference leaders cite government grant-in-aid of ₹24 crore last year and ₹28 crore this year to argue the institution is not funded solely by shrine donations.
  • JKBOPEE and legal experts maintain SMVDIME is not a notified minority institution and that all 50 seats were allotted through open-merit counselling.