Those who “do not worship Hindu deities” should not be entitled to such benefits, says the Goshamahal MLA T. Raja Singh.
HYDERABAD / SRINAGAR — Telangana BJP MLA T. Raja Singh has triggered a major controversy by calling for the scrapping of a quota for Muslim students at a medical college in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that those who “do not worship Hindu deities” should not be entitled to such benefits.
He asked the management of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Jammu & Kashmir, to immediately cancel the 42 seats allotted to Muslim students at the college, as they “don’t worship the Hindu deities.”
The Goshamahal MLA also urged the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, to immediately cancel seats allotted to Muslims.
He also demanded that the college authorities employ only Hindus. “Those who do not visit the temple should not be allowed to work in the college. This is to maintain the sanctity of the temple,” he claimed, according to reports.
Further, he asked the Hindus residing in the Jammu region to take up an agitation over the issue and ensure that only they benefit through the medical institute. “If need arises, we will come from Hyderabad and join the agitation,” said Raja Singh.
T. Raja Singh, known for his inflammatory speeches, also claimed that “appeasement politics” was undermining the rights of Hindu students. “Our children study hard and still don’t get seats, while others are admitted because of religion. This is injustice,” he reportedly remarked.
His comments have sparked outrage from opposition parties and civil society groups, who accused the BJP leader of promoting communal hatred. Leaders from the Congress, CPI(M), and regional parties in J&K demanded action against Singh for his “hate-mongering” remarks.
A senior J&K official reportedly clarified that reservations in educational institutions are governed by constitutional provisions and regional laws, not by religion.
This is not the first time Raja Singh has courted controversy. The MLA has multiple cases filed against him for hate speeches targeting Muslims and other minorities. Though suspended by the BJP in 2022 for such remarks, he was reinstated earlier this year ahead of the Telangana Assembly elections.
