CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR, June 8, 2026 : A controversy has emerged in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after a Jammu and Kashmir BJP functionary alleged that he was asked to leave a hotel due to concerns related to his Kashmiri identity. The hotel owner, however, has strongly denied the allegation, maintaining that the room had already been booked and the issue was purely administrative.
Sajid Yousuf Shah, BJP’s Co-Media In-Charge for Jammu and Kashmir, shared his experience on social media platform X on Sunday, tagging the Prime Minister’s Office, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
In his post, Shah claimed that after checking into a hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), he was asked to vacate the room nearly an hour later due to concerns linked to his Kashmiri identity.
Describing the incident as disappointing, Shah said the hotel owner was courteous and candid during the interaction and allegedly acknowledged that the decision was unfair and hurtful, while stating that he was acting under certain instructions.
Shah emphasized that for decades, Kashmiris have worked to strengthen ties between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country and have largely been welcomed with warmth and respect across India. However, he said incidents of this nature indicate that stereotypes and apprehensions continue to exist.
Raising broader concerns about equality and inclusiveness, Shah questioned whether any citizen should feel unwelcome or be denied accommodation because of their identity or place of origin. He further remarked that while he could afford alternative accommodation, ordinary Kashmiri travellers with limited means might face greater difficulties in similar situations.
At the same time, Shah clarified that he left the hotel peacefully, appreciated the owner’s honesty, and was not sharing the experience to seek sympathy or blame anyone. Instead, he said the incident highlighted the need for greater trust, understanding, and equal treatment among citizens.
Responding to the allegations, the owner of the hotel located in the Mill Corner area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar rejected the claim that Shah was denied accommodation because he was from Kashmir.
According to the hotel owner, the room had already been booked by another guest, but hotel staff mistakenly allotted it to Shah. Upon learning about the situation, he instructed the staff to refund the payment immediately as the hotel was fully booked.
The owner further stated that the establishment has accommodated Kashmiri guests in the past after proper verification of identity documents and insisted that the issue had no connection with Shah’s regional identity.
The incident has sparked discussion on social media, with many users calling for clarity on the circumstances surrounding the episode while emphasizing the importance of ensuring that every citizen is treated with dignity and fairness, irrespective of their place of origin.
