Jammu: Senior BJP legislators met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha late Saturday and raised objections to the first admission list issued by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Reasi, asking for its withdrawal.
The delegation, headed by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, questioned the composition of the selected candidates and claimed that most of the MBBS seats in the inaugural batch were allotted to students from a single community. They urged the administration to ensure that students who, in their words, “share faith in the shrine,” be prioritised for enrolment.
A Raj Bhavan statement confirmed that Sharma was joined by MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Surjit Singh Slathia, Devinder Kumar Manyal and Ranbir Singh Pathania during the discussions.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sharma said the party raised concerns on the grounds that the institution is associated with a revered pilgrimage centre and financed through offerings from devotees who expect the funds to support religious and cultural initiatives.
This year, SMVDIME received approval for 50 MBBS seats, and the admission of 41 candidates from one community has sparked political reactions and online criticism, with some groups calling for the college to be declared a minority institution.
Officials clarified that admissions were carried out solely on merit, adding that the institute does not have minority status and therefore cannot apply religion-based reservation.
Sharma reiterated that the party opposes the existing admission outcome and wants the Shrine Board to consider devotional association while finalising seats, saying the present list has caused dissatisfaction among locals.
When asked whether the delegation pushed for minority designation for the institute, he said they did not support such a proposal but insisted that admission should favour those who “hold faith in the shrine.”
According to the BJP leaders, the Lt Governor assured them that the issue is under review and that a response will follow after examination.
