NC’s ex-minister Bukhari joins BJP

Jammu: Senior Pahari leader and former minister Mushtaq Bukhari, who was once with the National Conference (NC), joined the BJP along with more than 500 of his supporters on Thursday.

Bukhari, who belongs to Poonch, was welcomed into the party by J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina, general secretary (organisation) Ashok Koul, general secretary Vibodh Gupta and other leaders.

Ravinder Raina said anyone who believes in the BJP’s ideology is welcomed. “Bukhari is a highly respected political, religious and social personality having 40 years of experience of working in public life and has thousands of followers throughout the UT,” he said.

“His move to join the BJP will further strengthen the party and the hands of the PM, who has a vision for bringing peace, prosperity and progress in J&K and give a dignified life to the discriminated and neglected sections here. It is not J&K only, but in entire length and breadth of the country that tall leaders of different political parties are joining the BJP as they want to see India progress,” Raina said.

Ashok Koul said the PM had a deep understanding of the issues relating J&K that is why people from every nook and corner of the UT are joining the BJP in large numbers.

Bukhari, after joining the BJP, said that J&K is marching on the path of development. He said that Narendra Modi-led government has given reservation to the deprived sections of society, particularly Paharis, “which shows his commitment to provide justice to every section and boost their confidence”.