National Conference (NC) leader Tariq Bhat on Friday, 17 July issued a public apology over his controversial remarks about Maharaja Hari Singh, saying he would retract his words out of respect for the sentiments of the people of Jammu. The row erupted after Bhat claimed at a party rally that the people of Jammu were not with India but with Maharaja Hari Singh — a statement that drew swift condemnation across political lines.

What Bhat Originally Said

The controversy traces back to 12 July, when Bhat attended a large NC rally at Maharaja Hari Singh Park in Jammu. While responding to media questions at the event, he made remarks that he later said were drawn from a history book — specifically 'Modern Indian History' by author V.D. Mahajan. The remarks, which touched on the merger of Jammu and Kashmir with India and the role of its people, triggered an immediate backlash.

The Apology and Its Context

'On 12 July, I attended a huge rally organised by the National Conference in Jammu's Maharaja Hari Singh Park, where whatever I said while answering questions asked by the media was based on a book. But some of my brothers did not like what I said. I believe that if an entire region like Jammu holds a different view while I alone hold another, then the voice of the people carries greater weight. Whatever people are saying is the reality; the book can be wrong,' Bhat said.

'So, respecting the sentiments and honour of the people of Jammu, I take back my words and apologise for my mistake,' he added. Bhat was categorical that the views expressed were his own and did not reflect the position of the National Conference leadership.

Party Distances Itself

NC's senior leader Sheikh Bashir had already condemned Bhat's statement, making clear that the party did not endorse the remarks. Bhat acknowledged this internal rebuke, saying: 'When my party thinks that whatever I said was wrong, then certainly I have committed a mistake.'

Notably, this is a significant moment for the NC, which has been working to consolidate its support base in the Jammu region — an area where it has historically faced a tougher electoral environment compared to the Kashmir Valley. A senior party leader making remarks perceived as questioning Jammu's loyalty to India was always going to demand a swift response.

Bhat's Clarifications and Caveats

Even as he apologised, Bhat stopped short of fully disowning the historical source. 'Still, if anyone wants an explanation for whatever I said, they can read this book. Everything is written here about the merger, the country's partition and other details,' he said, referring to V.D. Mahajan's text. He added that if the book itself was incorrect, he was open to reading newer scholarship and reassessing his understanding.

Bhat also clarified that his original intent was not to criticise Maharaja Hari Singh, but to make a political point about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 'I did not intend to criticise the Maharaja, but yes, I did say that Jammu BJP leaders didn't have a role in sacrificing for the country — this was a political remark, and parties keep criticising each other,' he explained. He concluded by reiterating: 'Whoever has been hurt by my remarks, please forgive me.'

What Comes Next

The episode underlines the political sensitivity around Maharaja Hari Singh and the narrative of Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India — a subject that continues to carry deep emotional weight in the region. With assembly elections in J&K on the horizon, any perceived slight toward Jammu's historical identity is likely to be amplified by rival parties. The NC will be keen to ensure the controversy does not linger and affect its outreach in the Jammu division.