Maharashtra Hotel Faces Discrimination Allegation from J&K BJP Functionary, Owner Calls Claim Baseless
Sajid Yousuf Shah claims he was asked to leave a Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar hotel after check-in; proprietor says the room had already been allotted to another guest.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jun 8: A political controversy has emerged after a BJP leader from Jammu and Kashmir alleged that he was asked to vacate a hotel room in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar due to concerns related to his Kashmiri background.
Sajid Yousuf Shah, BJP’s co-media in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, shared the incident on social media platform X, tagging the Prime Minister’s Office, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
According to Shah, he had completed the check-in process at a hotel in the city and was later informed that he could not continue his stay. He claimed the decision was linked to apprehensions surrounding his place of origin.
Describing the episode as disappointing, Shah said the incident raised broader questions about equal treatment and inclusion. He noted that many people from Jammu and Kashmir have spent decades strengthening ties with the rest of the country and that such experiences highlight the persistence of stereotypes.
While stressing that he was not seeking sympathy or attempting to blame anyone, Shah said he chose to speak publicly because ordinary travellers may face similar situations without having alternative accommodation options.
The hotel owner, however, rejected the allegation of discrimination. He told PTI that the room had already been reserved for another guest and was mistakenly allotted by hotel staff. Upon learning of the error, management directed employees to refund the payment and arrange cancellation of the booking.
The proprietor further stated that the establishment has previously accommodated visitors from Jammu and Kashmir after verifying valid identity documents, maintaining that the matter stemmed from an operational mistake rather than any bias against a particular community or region.
The differing accounts have sparked discussion online, with the incident drawing attention to concerns over perceptions, trust and the treatment of travellers from various parts of the country.
