01/10/2026
Mohd Sartaj Madni Targets NC Over Liquor Ban, Manifesto Promises and Jantar Mantar Protest*
Devsar Sept 30: Former PDP MLA and senior party leader Sartaj Madni has launched a sharp attack on the National Conference (NC), alleging that the party could bring a bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to impose a ban on liquor if it was genuinely committed to the issue.
Madni alleged that the government was reluctant to take such a step because liquor generates revenue for the administration. He questioned the NC’s repeated discussions on the issue in the Assembly, saying that if the party wants prohibition, it has the legislative option to bring forward a bill.
The issue of liquor policy has been a subject of political debate in Jammu and Kashmir. In April, NC MLA Hasnain Masoodi had said that while he supported a liquor ban, it would have an impact on government revenue.
Madni also targeted the NC over its political activities in New Delhi, particularly the Jantar Mantar protest. He questioned the party’s position on the events of August 5, 2019, and Article 370, asking what, according to him, had been lost on that day and what the party had done since then.
The National Conference held a protest at Jantar Mantar in July 2026 demanding restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the protest was focused on statehood and that other issues would be pursued subsequently.
Madni further criticised the NC over promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections, including employment, free electricity, gas-cylinder-related benefits and other welfare commitments. He alleged that the promises had not been fulfilled in the manner expected by the people.
The NC’s 2024 manifesto included commitments relating to employment and electricity, while subsequent government policy and implementation have remained subjects of political debate.
Madni also referred to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks concerning the party’s election manifesto, using them to question the government’s handling of its pre-election commitments.
