A political controversy has erupted after Dr. Rameshwar Singh, MLA Bani, demanded that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College be renamed as Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Hindu Medical College, along with seeking religion-based reservations for Hindus at the institution.Dr. Singh had attempted to draw a parallel with Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), claiming that just as reservations exist for Muslims, similar provisions should be made for Hindus. His remarks, however, have been widely criticised for lacking factual clarity and for pushing a narrative that many view as unnecessary and misleading.Reacting strongly, Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Zadibal, condemned the statement, warning that such demands risk tearing the social fabric apart.“When you communalise institutions, you aren’t just doing politics — you are dividing society at its core,” Sadiq said, stressing that hospitals, schools, universities and medical colleges must remain free of religious preferences.He questioned the wisdom behind linking admissions or public services with faith. “If institutions begin deciding intake on the basis of religion, what kind of country will we become? Will patients be treated according to their faith next? Will merit be sidelined for majoritarian demands? This is a recipe for disaster,” he added.Referring to the controversy around SMVDIME admissions, Sadiq asserted that selections had been entirely merit-based and that the BJP’s position was “misguided and dangerous.” He emphasized that a shrine-funded institution does not automatically transform into a religion-based institution. “Donations made in devotion cannot be turned into tools of discrimination,” he remarked.Accusing the BJP of using sensitive institutions for short-term political mileage, the MLA cautioned that such policies could create long-lasting divides. “For petty political gains, please do not turn our institutions into battlegrounds of faith. You are planting a time bomb that, once it goes off, will create a divide no one will ever be able to fix.”Sadiq said that communalising health and education was fundamentally harmful and urged political parties to refrain from rhetoric that may damage the nation’s unity. “This toxic politics must stop before irreparable damage is done,” he concluded.
