The Jammu and Kashmir Government’s attitude to liquor sales became a hot button political issue on Monday (May 11, 2026) with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah retracting earlier remarks where he stated that “No one was forcing anyone to consume liquor” in the wake of growing criticism and a host of online memes attacking his position.
A ruling National Conference (NC) MP, Aga Syed Ruhullah, joined the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in criticising Mr. Abdullah for his take on the sale of liquor in J&K, while the BJP backed the CM.
Iltija Mufti’s X account withheld, says ‘attempt to silence her’
Mr. Abdullah, speaking on Sunday (May 10, 2026) on demands to ban liquor, said, “No one was forcing locals to consume liquor.”
It drew sharp responses from Opposition parties and netizens, with memes being published that contrasted Mr. Abdullah’s previous stand, before he was elected as CM, when he spoke against the growing number of liquor shops in J&K.
