SRINAGAR: In a significant loss to the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Mushtaq Bukhari, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Surankote constituency, passed away early this morning at his residence in Pamrote, Poonch district. Bukhari, aged 75, had been battling prolonged health issues. His demise comes just a week ahead of the much-anticipated Assembly election results, where he was seen as a strong contender for victory.
Bukhari, a towering figure in the Pir Panjal region’s political arena, had a long and storied career spanning over four decades. He served as a two-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Surankote and was previously a close confidant of National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah. His departure from the NC in February 2022, due to differences over securing Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Pahari community, marked a pivotal shift in his political journey as he later joined the BJP.
Bukhari’s legacy as one of the most influential leaders from the Pir Panjal region, particularly in advocating for the rights of the Pahari community, remains profound. His leadership was marked by a deep connection with the people, particularly in his efforts to address their socio-political and economic concerns. He had a distinguished role in representing and uplifting the welfare of the Pahari community, a focus that was expected to shape his campaign in the ongoing elections.
Bukhari’s death leaves a void in the Surankote constituency, where he had been fielded by the BJP for the reserved ST seat. His candidature was viewed with optimism within the party, and his absence will undoubtedly impact the forthcoming election results.