JAMMU: BJP’s candidate from Surankote, late Mushtaq Ahmed Shah Bukhari, has lost by a significant margin of 10,428 votes.
However, even after his death, Bukhari secured 23,773 votes.
Bukhari passed away last week due to a heart attack. The seat has been won by independent candidate Choudhary Mohammed Akram.
Bukhari, aged 75, had been battling prolonged health issues. His demise comes just a week ahead of the much-anticipated Assembly election results, where he was seen as a strong contender for victory. He passed away at his residence in Pamrote, Poonch district.
Bukhari, a prominent figure in the Pir Panjal region’s political arena, had a long and storied career spanning over four decades. He served as a two-time member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Surankote and was previously a close confidant of National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah. His departure from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) in February 2022, due to differences over securing Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Pahari community, marked a pivotal shift in his political journey as he joined the BJP. He was a former cabinet minister in the Dr Farooq Abdullah-led JKNC government.
Bukhari’s legacy as one of the most influential leaders from the Pir Panjal region, particularly in advocating for the rights of the Pahari community, remains profound. His leadership was characterised by a deep connection with the people, particularly in his efforts to address their socio-political and economic concerns. He played a distinguished role in representing and uplifting the welfare of the Pahari community, a focus that was expected to shape his campaign in the ongoing elections.
Bukhari is survived by a son and three daughters, and was a two-time MLA from Surankote. He was fielded by the BJP from the assembly constituency reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates.