Ex-PDP leader Altaf Bukhari floats political outfit
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Srinagar March 8
Vowing to fight for the restoration of J&K’s statehood, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Altaf Bukhari on Sunday launched the Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) — a major political development post abrogation of Article 370.
Bukhari, who has been elected as JKAP president, was joined by over 30 members, including former ministers, legislators and leaders from the Congress, National Conference, PDP and some smaller parties.
‘Have to do business with Delhi’
We don’t look at Delhi from the point of view of who is ruling it today. We look at it from the point of view of it being the Government of India.
Altaf Bukhari, JKAP President
JKAP seems to be an attempt to create a political alternative to the NC and the PDP whose leaders — Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti — are under detention since August 5. In an apparent reference to the NC and the PDP, Bukhari said, “It will be a party with a difference. It will not behave like dynastic parties and the president of the party will be elected on a rotational basis.”
Bukhari draws inspiration from former PM of erstwhile state of J&K Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad.