Jammu, November 24, 2025 : Amid a growing political storm over the first batch of admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah firmly asserted that merit alone—not religion—can determine MBBS admissions, as mandated by the Constitution and existing laws.
Speaking to reporters after launching the first-ever e-auction of limestone mineral blocks in Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch, Abdullah questioned the BJP’s objections to the fact that 42 out of 50 admitted students belong to one community. He said the controversy was unnecessary and driven by attempts to communalise a merit-based process.
Abdullah reminded critics that when the Assembly passed the Act establishing Mata Vaishno Devi University, it was explicitly stated that no admission would be based on religion.
“Some people do not like merit-based admissions. If you want admissions without merit, seek the Supreme Court’s permission. You simply cannot give admission based on religion—it is unconstitutional,” he said.
The controversy escalated after a delegation of BJP MLAs met the Lieutenant Governor demanding cancellation of the admission list and reservation of seats for those “who have faith in Mata Vaishno Devi”. Officials, however, clarified that SMVDIME is not a minority institution and therefore cannot reserve seats based on religion.
Abdullah cautioned that such demands threaten the secular foundation of the country.
“Our Constitution has the word ‘secular’. If they don’t want a secular India, let them first remove that word,” he remarked sharply.
He also warned that extending religion-based preferences to medical admissions would set a dangerous precedent:
“Should ration, welfare schemes, or even police duties also be assigned on the basis of religion?” he asked.
The Chief Minister urged students to focus on merit and hard work, reiterating that the Act governing the institution clearly mandates merit-based seat allocation and nothing else.
