Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Wednesday criticized the ongoing controversy surrounding admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College in Reasi, calling it “unhealthy and harmful” for a democratic society. He emphasized that religion should never define identity in education.

Speaking to reporters, Rana said the developments have sent a wrong signal and risk pushing society in a regressive direction. “This was not a healthy issue. In a democratic country, religion should not become an identity in education. It is not a good sign, and we are guiding society in the wrong direction,” he said.

The minister warned that communalizing education sets a damaging precedent. “Education should unite, not divide,” he added.

Rana also took a swipe at the BJP, questioning the party’s actions and intentions in the matter. “The actions and intentions of the BJP are not good. The world is moving forward, while we are stuck in mandir-masjid issues,” he said.

He stressed that overemphasis on religious identity diverts attention from pressing challenges such as development, employment, and education. “We are invoking the past and forgetting the present. This is not how countries progress or advance,” he noted.

The minister urged policymakers to focus on inclusive growth and warned that continued polarization could undermine both social harmony and institutional credibility.