The National Conference (NC) has sharply criticized the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over its newly launched liquor ban campaign, accusing the party of blatant hypocrisy.
NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar took to Twitter to castigate the PDP, recalling that when the party was in power in 2016, it had ruled out any ban on alcohol in Jammu Kashmir.
“Before launching their signature campaign, @jkpdp must be held accountable for their blatant hypocrisy. In 2016, PDP govt ruled out Alcohol ban but are now shamelessly playing to galleries. The PDP has always been a party built on lies, deception, and opportunism,” Dar wrote.
The PDP, led by Iltija Mufti, recently launched a signature campaign in Srinagar advocating for a complete ban on liquor sales in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that the increasing availability of alcohol and drugs is harming society.
The move has been met with skepticism from political opponents, with the NC alleging that the PDP’s stance is driven by political convenience rather than genuine concern.
However, the campaign has found strong support among locals, including religious leaders who have long advocated for a ban on alcohol.
Prominent clerics such as Moulana Ghulam Rasool Hami, founder of Karwan-i-Islami, and Qazi Yasir have repeatedly called for a prohibition, citing its adverse impact on social and moral values. Many residents, particularly in Srinagar, have also voiced their support, arguing that alcohol is a threat to Kashmiri society’s cultural fabric.
The PDP has yet to respond to Dar’s remarks.