Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar: DD, Apni Party president and former minister Altaf Bukhari on Saturday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of working in coordination with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that both parties are engaged in a “fixed political arrangement” in Jammu and Kashmir.
Talking to reporters in Srinagar, Bukhari said, the PDP’s decision to form a government with the BJP in 2015 was a clear betrayal of the public mandate. “They sought votes to keep the BJP away and then aligned with them. Everyone saw what happened after that,” he said.
He said National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah has now categorically denied the possibility of any future alliance with the BJP. “If Omar says he will not join hands with the BJP because people voted for him on that basis, then that is the right position to take. Political honesty is essential,” Bukhari said, adding that NC’s stand may have been influenced by the public backlash PDP faced after its alliance with the BJP.
On regional development, the Apni Party chief alleged bias in government work. He claimed that areas perceived as opposition strongholds are being neglected in basic infrastructure such as road repairs, drainage systems and street lighting. “This has been the pattern under the National Conference’s style of functioning,” Bukhari said.
Referring to PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Bukhari alleged that her political moves appear to reflect BJP influence. “Whatever she is doing now seems to be directed by the BJP. It looks like a fixed match,” he said. “Some leaders display their links openly, others do not—but the reality remains the same.”
On the issue of restoration of statehood, Bukhari said people in every region, including Leh, should voice their demands. “Let each region speak for its rights. We are doing the same,” he said. (KNC)
