Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and a prominent BJP leader, has ignited a political storm with his recent remarks advising Bengalis to avoid traveling to Muslim-majority areas of Jammu and Kashmir. His statement, made during a public interaction, has drawn sharp criticism from various political parties, including his own, and sparked outrage among the public.

Adhikari's comments followed a meeting between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata, where Banerjee encouraged people to visit Jammu and Kashmir to revive tourism in the region after a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22. Adhikari, however, suggested that people should visit Jammu instead, or other states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, or Odisha. He referenced the Pahalgam attack, where he claimed tourists were killed after being asked about their religion. "Don't go to the places where Muslims are in majority. If you want to go to Kashmir, go to Jammu. Don't go... They (terrorists) killed people asking their religion," Adhikari stated.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), the ruling party in West Bengal, has strongly condemned Adhikari's remarks, calling it a "disgraceful, calculated act of communal provocation". The party argued that Adhikari's statement plays into the hands of terrorists who aim to paralyze Kashmir's economy by creating fear. TMC also questioned whether Adhikari's stance reflected the official position of the BJP and its top leaders. Shashi Panja, a TMC minister, further added, "This narrative sounds more like Pakistan or Bangladesh. You cannot dictate where people should travel. Is this just because Omar Abdullah visited Bengal?".

Within the BJP, Adhikari's statement has also faced disapproval. Ravinder Raina, a former J&K BJP chief, refuted Adhikari's claims and urged him to visit the Valley to witness the patriotism of Kashmiris firsthand. Raina emphasized the sacrifices made by Kashmiris for the unity and security of the nation, including numerous BJP workers, police officers, and security personnel who have been killed by terrorists. "After the Pahalgam terror attack, it was local Kashmiris who rescued the wounded and later sheltered tourists to ensure their safety," Raina stated.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has also vehemently criticized Adhikari's remarks, equating them to "terrorism". Tanvir Sadiq, the JKNC chief spokesperson, deemed Adhikari's statement as "irresponsible and deeply shameful," emphasizing that "Kashmiris have always stood with the nation". He further added, "Suvendu Adhikari is spewing divisive hate. This is not just about Kashmir—it's about the soul of India". Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, has strongly condemned the provocative and communally charged remarks, terming them as an extension of the BJP's deeply divisive and dangerous politics.