JAMMU, Oct 2: Mushtaq Ahmad Shah Bukhari, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Surankote in Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on Wednesday morning following a heart attack at his residence in Poonch district. The 75-year-old former minister had been unwell for some time, according to party leaders. His sudden demise occurred at around 7 am, leaving behind his wife, two daughters, and a son.
Bukhari, who had a notable political career, served twice as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Surankote. He recently joined the BJP in February, following the Central Government’s decision to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the Pahari community, to which he belonged. As a prominent leader in his region, Bukhari was fielded as the BJP candidate for Surankote in the ongoing elections, with polling for the constituency held on September 25, along with 25 other segments.
Bukhari’s political journey took a significant turn in 2022 when he left the National Conference, a party he had been associated with for over four decades. His decision to part ways with the National Conference came after a disagreement with party president Farooq Abdullah over the Scheduled Tribe status for the Pahari community.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina expressed deep sorrow over Bukhari’s passing, acknowledging his contributions as a mass leader. “His demise has left an irreplaceable void in the political landscape of the region,” Raina said. Leaders from across the political spectrum also extended their condolences, recognizing Bukhari’s impactful role in the state’s political arena.