Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], March 21 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJP MLA Sunil Sharma expressed his concerns over the statement of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik and stated that his statement 'hurts' the sentiments of Hindus.

Sharma further alleged that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was 'encouraging' such comments in the House.

'We have no problem with an enquiry into the liquor scam. But when someone comments that every Hindu drinks alcohol, it hurts the sentiments of Hinduism. It is surprising that Omar Abdullah was encouraging such comments in the House...' Sharma said.

The LoP also responded to the National Conference and J-K Congress asking for a committee to investigate spending on chartered flights, stating, 'Then inquire into the chartered flights. They are the ones who have the government.'

National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq also condemned the statement of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik stating that 'alcoholism' is a social problem and giving it a religious angle is wrong.

'I don't know from where he got this report... Talking about religion in a way that hurts someone's sentiments is not a good thing... (Alcoholism) is not a religious problem but a social problem. Giving it a religious colour is not right...' Sadiq told ANI.

Sadiq also reacted to the National Conference and J-K Congress asking for a committee to investigate spending on chartered flights, saying, 'The House wants to know who were these guests who came in the last four years, who were so important that so much money of the State Exchequer and the people was spent on them... The surprising thing is that the BJP is opposing this. So they may be involved in some way that's why they are so upset over this...'

On Thursday, Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik accused the BJP of promoting alcohol in Jammu, a region known for its religious significance.

Speaking about alcohol consumption in the town, Malik raised concerns over the BJP's silence on the issue. 'They (BJP) have made alcohol commonplace in Jammu's town of temples,' he said.

Malik pointed out the BJP's inaction when alcohol consumption was taking place in Katra, a popular pilgrimage destination.

'What was the BJP doing when people were drinking alcohol in Katra? They don't have the right to speak of religion,' he added.

He further emphasized the double standards in the treatment of public drinking. 'Muslims and Hindus both drink. But there is not a second opinion on who drinks publicly. When Muslims drink publicly they are interrogated and ostracised,' Malik stated, criticizing the perceived bias.

Malik also questioned the BJP's stance on the issue, citing instances where alcohol shops were set up and mothers were reportedly beaten for opposing the sale of alcohol. 'Where are their sentiments when shops were being sold for alcohol, when mothers were beaten for asking the administration to not bring alcohol, where was BJP then?' he said.

He concluded by asserting, 'They don't have the right to talk about religious sentiments,' suggesting that the BJP's response to these issues was politically motivated and inconsistent. (ANI)