Srinagar, June 21, KDC: The Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) has taken the decisive step of expelling Basharat Bukhari from its ranks due to serious allegations of anti-party activities and a significant decline in his electoral vote bank within the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency.
The JKPC’s move comes following extensive surveys conducted in the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency that have exposed widespread dissatisfaction among the electorate towards Bukhari’s actions.
The expulsion of Bukhari from the JKPC is a direct response to the mounting discontent within the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency against him.
According to news agency Kashmir Dot Com, local sentiments have shifted, with even his own village turning against him, as highlighted by a shopkeeper from Kreeri village who stated, “He can’t even secure a Panch election victory in his own village anymore.”
Bukhari has won two Assembly elections from the Sangrama constituency characterized by narrow margins against Shoib Lone. In 2008, his victory was by a mere 1,330 votes, which further dwindled to approximately 1,050 votes in 2014.
The dissatisfaction with Bukhari’s politics extends beyond Kreeri village, encompassing over 40 villages within the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency.
Political activists have accused Bukhari of being a turncoat and losing the trust of all political parties.
One local National Conference leader from the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency revealed, “He started running a smear campaign against some leaders, particularly gossiping about Omar Abdullah, soon after he left the National Conference. He is a thankless person, a small man in big shoes.”
The sentiment within the National Conference is resolute, with a senior party leader affirming that there is no room for Bukhari’s return. “Omar sahab has made it clear that spit that has been spat cannot be taken back,” emphasized the leader.
The discontentment surrounding Bukhari’s leadership is not confined solely to the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency. Even in the villages of Pattan and Tangmarg, which were recently added to the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency, concerns persist regarding his corrupt politics and limited approach to development.
Residents in Pattan villages vehemently oppose Bukhari, recalling the neglect people experienced under his tenure as MLA in Wagoora tehsil, Kalantra, Bandi Payeen, Bala, and other Kandi villages. They are determined not to allow him to exploit them.
Political analysts and activists within the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency forecast a tough competition between the National Conference and PDP in the upcoming Assembly elections, relegating Bukhari to a distant third or fourth position. Allegations of corruption have hindered Bukhari’s popularity among the people.
Insiders from the JKPC reveal that Bukhari engaged in a campaign against Shia religious leader Moulvi Imran Ansari, aiming to replace him as the party’s second-in-command. These activities strained his relationship with JKPC leader Sajad Lone, resulting in multiple admonishments during party meetings. On several occasions, Lone went so far as to expel Bukhari from these gatherings due to his anti-Imran Ansari endeavors.
Accusations have also surfaced, suggesting that Bukhari frequently misused party funds for personal gain.
A JKPC leader cited this financial misconduct as an additional factor contributing to his expulsion. However, the tipping point came when Bukhari arranged a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha through BJP’s Ashok Koul, without the necessary permission from Lone. This act of disregard infuriated Sajad Lone, who subsequently invited Safeena Baigh, District Development Council member from Wagoora constituency for a meeting. The following day, Bukhari’s expulsion was announced after he made a statement on a TV channel, wrongly assuming the JKPC would tolerate his actions.
“He holds no significant position in electoral politics, and he should return to his previous role as a radio announcer,” remarked a resident of Kalantra village.
JKPC has decided to go with Safeena Baig as their candidate for Wagoora-Kreeri constituency while Muzaffar Baigh will be the candidate for the parliament elections, they said.
Lone along with Nizam-ud-Din Bhat called on Muzaffar Baig on Tuesday before he along with his wife Safeena Baigh proceeded on to Hajj pilgrimage. (KDC)
