BJP Leader Amit Malviya Celebrates Success of NDTV Concert in Kashmir Despite Boycott Calls

Sonu Nigam at NDTV Good Times Concert at Dal Lake, Srinagar.

BJP's IT cell leader Amit Malviya has commended the NDTV Good Times musical concert held in Srinagar, describing it as a "spectacular" success that proceeded despite calls for boycott and demonstrated the spirit of a "new Kashmir."

"NDTV Good Times pulled off a spectacular musical concert in Kashmir - despite boycott calls from radical clerics. What stood out was the impressive turnout, including young women in hijab, who came to celebrate music and freedom," Malviya shared on social media platform X.

Malviya's comments followed the NDTV Good Times 'Music and Freedom' concert held on October 26, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) beside Dal Lake in Srinagar. This event marked the first major concert in the Valley since the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

The BJP leader also highlighted what he termed a "tragic irony" - that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah did not attend the concert, "perhaps fearing backlash from radical elements".

He noted that Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Farooq Abdullah also avoided the event, attributing it to his adherence to "his old political playbook for Kashmir."

"It's clear now - the average Kashmiri has moved on," stated Malviya. "They seek peace, progress, and a life beyond conflict. But the politicians remain trapped in outdated, rigid politics, unable to reinvent themselves. They must read the writing on the wall - it's time to lead the change, not resist it.

"The radicals are losing the battle of minds. Naya Kashmir, driven by its youth, is winning," he added.

The Sunday concert featured both national and local artists. Bollywood vocalist Sonu Nigam headlined the event with a tribute performance to legendary singer Mohammed Rafi.

During his performance, Nigam respectfully paused for the Azaan (call to prayer), which earned appreciation from the audience.

Fame Gurukul 2005 winner Qazi Touqeer opened the show, at one point performing push-ups while singing "Yeh Dil Deewana." Another Kashmiri artist, Rauhan Malik, presented his original compositions.