Surankote BJP candidate dies ahead of poll results
In a major setback to the BJP, Syed Mushtaq Bukhari (75), former Minister and party candidate from the Surankote constituency in Poonch district, passed away on Wednesday morning just six days ahead of the results of J&K Assembly election.
Expressing shock at the untimely demise of the leader, state BJP president Ravinder Raina said: “I am deeply pained to hear about the demise of a political stalwart and BJP candidate from the Surankote Assembly constituency. This is an irreparable loss to society and people in Rajouri and Poonch. I express my heartfelt condolences”.
Deeply pained, says L-G Sinha
- Expressing grief over the demise of Bukhari, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said: “Deeply pained to learn of the demise of Syed Mushtaq Bukhari, a prominent Pahari leader. He will be remembered for his commitment to the welfare of people and uplift of weaker sections of society. My condolences to his family”.
Bukhari reportedly died of heart attack around 7 am at his residence in Pamrote, Poonch.
Bukhari was a popular Pahari spiritual leader who was associated with the National Conference (NC) for nearly four decades. He was one of the leaders who had pressed for granting Scheduled Tribes (ST) status to the Pahari community living in Rajouri, Poonch among other areas of J&K. He left the NC in 2022 after his disagreement with party chief Farooq Abdullah over ST status to Paharis.
Bukhari had stated that he would join any party that grants ST status to the Pahari community. He joined the BJP in February this year after the Centre granted ST status to the community.
Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister and NC vice-president, in a post on X, said: “Very sorry to hear about the death of senior BJP leader Mushtaq Bukhari. His death is a loss to his party and Pahadi people. May Allah grant him place in Jannat. My condolences to his family”.
Bukhari, who had won from the Surankote seat twice in the past, had campaigned from the constituency in the recent polls. He was however not able to visit several far-off areas due to health issues. His seat went to the polls in the second phase on September 25. The results of the J&K poll will be announced on October 8 along with Haryana.
Mohammad Shahnawaz, who was Congress candidate from Surankote, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of Syed Mushtaq Bukhari. My heartfelt condolences with his family”.
Expressing grief over the demise of Bukhari, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said: “Deeply pained to learn of the demise of Syed Mushtaq Bukhari, a prominent Pahadi leader. He will be remembered for his commitment to the welfare of people and uplift of weaker sections of society. My condolences to his family”.
About the leader
Syed Mushtaq Bukhari was a popular Pahari spiritual leader who was associated with the National Conference (NC) for nearly four decades. He was one of the leaders who had pressed for granting Scheduled Tribes (ST) status to the Pahari community living in Rajouri, Poonch among other areas of J&K. He left the NC in 2022 after his disagreement with party chief Farooq Abdullah over ST status to Paharis.
