Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 6: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari today accused the ruling National Conference of exploiting anti-Delhi sentiment during elections while later aligning with the Centre, saying his party would engage with Delhi only for the welfare of J&K’s people and never act as “agents” of anyone.
Speaking to reporters here, Bukhari said people in J&K were emotionally misled during Assembly elections and made to believe that supporting the Apni Party would amount to compromising with Delhi.
“They abuse Delhi when seeking votes, then cling to it like a soul to the body. We will engage with Delhi for the welfare of J&K’s people, but we will never become anyone’s agents,” he said.
Bukhari alleged that mainstream regional parties had “sold everything from 1947 to 2019,” including the dignity, rights and development of the people, while failing to deliver meaningful benefits in return.
“They told people that if they voted for Altaf Bukhari and the Apni Party, there would be trade-offs with Delhi. But these parties themselves left nothing unsold in J&K,” he said.
Bukhari said the Apni Party differed from traditional regional parties because it was not centred around political dynasties.
Commenting on election results in West Bengal, Bukhari said allegations of rigging by losing parties were common in democracies, but stressed that the will of the people must prevail.
“Those who have won deserve congratulations, and those who lost should continue working among the people. Any party that fails to serve the public will eventually be rejected,” he said.
On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted by the Election Commission of India, Bukhari alleged that the exercise appeared aimed at disenfranchising Muslims.
“If such attempts are being made, it is wrong. We must remain alert because electoral roll revision is also happening in J&K,” he said.
Bukhari also reiterated his party’s demand for a ban on liquor in J&K, saying prohibition could be implemented in the Union Territory just as it had been in Gujarat and Bihar.
Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, Bukhari described it as condemnable and questioned the continued closure of several tourist destinations in Kashmir even after the passage of one year.
“If the Government believes security arrangements are inadequate at these tourist spots, then when will it ensure proper security?” he asked.
He also appealed to tourists from across the country to continue visiting Kashmir, saying the security situation in the Valley was “better than several places in the country.”
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