CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR, June 8: A BJP functionary from Jammu and Kashmir has alleged that he was asked to leave a hotel in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city due to concerns linked to his Kashmiri identity, a claim denied by the hotel owner who said the room had already been booked.
Sajid Yousuf Shah, BJP’s co-media in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, shared his experience on social media platform X on Sunday, tagging the Prime Minister’s Office, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Shah claimed that after checking into a hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, he was asked to vacate the room about an hour later because of concerns related to his Kashmiri identity.
In his post, he said the hotel owner was courteous and acknowledged that the decision appeared unfair and hurtful, but claimed he was acting on instructions. Shah said such incidents highlight that stereotypes and apprehensions about Kashmiris continue to exist despite efforts to strengthen ties between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country.
Raising concerns over equal treatment, he questioned whether any citizen should feel unwelcome or be asked to leave a hotel because of their identity or place of origin. He added that he left without any confrontation and was sharing the incident to highlight a broader issue rather than seek sympathy.
However, the hotel owner refuted the allegation, stating that the room had already been allotted to another guest. He said the hotel staff had mistakenly provided the room to Shah and that once he was informed, he directed them to refund the payment as the property was fully booked.
The owner maintained that the hotel had previously accommodated guests from Kashmir after verifying valid identity documents and denied any discrimination on the basis of regional identity.
The hotel is located in the Mill Corner area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. (Agencies)
