The ruling National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir has lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the latter failed to include the anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah, the prominent political figure often referred to as the ‘Lion of Kashmir’, in the list of public holidays for 2025. The move has sparked controversy, with the NC accusing the BJP-led government of deliberately neglecting the legacy of Sheikh Abdullah, who played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sheikh Abdullah, the founder of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, is remembered for his leadership in the struggle for the region’s autonomy and for being a central figure in the state's political and cultural identity. His contributions to Jammu and Kashmir's socio-political fabric are widely acknowledged, and his anniversary is traditionally observed as a significant day of remembrance and tribute in the region.
In a statement, senior NC leaders condemned the BJP for overlooking the anniversary, calling the decision an attempt to erase the region’s history and discredit its iconic figures. NC spokespersons emphasized that Sheikh Abdullah’s role in promoting unity, justice, and democratic values in the state deserved to be recognized, particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir’s unique political situation.
The BJP’s decision not to include the anniversary in the 2025 public holiday list is seen as part of its broader political strategy to reduce the influence of regional leaders like Sheikh Abdullah in the state’s ongoing political narrative. The NC has expressed concerns that such decisions reflect a disregard for the historical significance of local leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, especially at a time when the region is undergoing significant political and constitutional changes.
This exclusion has led to protests and strong reactions from the NC’s supporters, who have called for the inclusion of the anniversary in the holiday list as a mark of respect for Sheikh Abdullah’s enduring legacy. The NC, along with several other regional parties, views the omission as a symbol of the BJP’s continued push to centralize control in Jammu and Kashmir and undermine the region’s distinct identity.
Political analysts in the region have suggested that this controversy might further escalate the ongoing political tension between the BJP and regional parties like the NC, who continue to advocate for greater autonomy and recognition of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status within India’s federal structure. The debate over Sheikh Abdullah's anniversary is also seen as an emblematic issue, reflecting larger concerns about the future of the region's political autonomy and its cultural identity.
As the BJP faces increasing criticism from the NC and other regional parties, it remains to be seen how the ruling party will respond to this growing controversy. Whether the government will reconsider its decision to exclude Sheikh Abdullah’s anniversary from the public holiday list is yet to be determined.
