J&K Marks Maharaja Hari Singh's Birth Anniversary Amid Holiday List Row

Jammu and Kashmir observed an official holiday on Wednesday for the birth anniversary of Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh, with the Bharatiya Janata Party organising a series of functions in Srinagar and Jammu to mark the occasion.

Addressing one such event, BJP leader and Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board chairperson Darakshan Andrabi credited the Maharaja with taking what she called a wise decision in 1947 by acceding to India. She said the decision had brought lasting benefits and that the region stands with the country today. Ms. Andrabi also described his rule as inclusive, noting that Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians were all present in his court and that everyone was entitled to equal rights.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid homage to the Maharaja in a message on X, calling him an enlightened statesman and progressive thinker who introduced significant reforms aimed at public welfare and empowerment. Mr. Sinha said the principles of public service, equality and inclusive development that the Maharaja stood for remain relevant and continue to inspire people.

The holiday on September 23 was added to the official list by the Lieutenant Governor's administration in 2022. However, the birth and death anniversaries of National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah were dropped from that list, drawing a sharp response from the NC.

NC legislator Tanvir Sadiq questioned the disparity, saying the irony was plain to see. He contrasted a leader associated with land reforms that transferred ownership to the poor with a ruler under whose reign, he said, Kashmiris endured repression. Mr. Sadiq said his objection was not rooted in hatred or prejudice but in history and facts.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Sheikh Abdullah's place in the region's history was well established and that the sacrifices made by the NC could not be forgotten. He said the role of Sher-e-Kashmir could not be erased, and accused the BJP of attempting to present history differently whenever it disagreed with a particular narrative. Referring to those who did not take part in the freedom struggle, he asked what lessons they could teach, adding that the roles of the RSS and the BJP's ancestral party are well known.