Who's Mushtaq Bukhari compared to Mahatma Gandhi, Mandela by BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded 75-year-old politician Mushtaq Bukhari for the Surankot constituency in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. This constituency is reserved for Scheduled Tribes. Addressing a crowd, Tarun Chugh, the BJP's national general secretary, compared Bukhari to Mahatma Gandhi and former South African President Nelson Mandela for his efforts toward the Pahari community's freedom.
Chugh praises Bukhari's efforts for Pahari community
"The work that Mahatma Gandhi did can never be forgotten. No matter which party comes to power, people will never forget Nelson Mandela. Similarly, here, Bukhari Sahab, the Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela of the tribal community has worked to bring them freedom," Chugh said. Bukhari joined the party in February after a near-four decade association with the National Conference (NC).
Bukhari's political journey and influence
He is a two-time former legislator from Surankot in Poonch district and was once a close confidant of NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah. He left the party in February 2022 due to disagreements over ST status for the Pahari community. Two years later, Bukhari joined the BJP, promising to align with any party that would grant ST status to his community.
Bukhari's influence and upcoming elections
Known as "peer sahab" within the Muslim community, Bukhari is a respected spiritual leader who holds considerable sway over the Pahari community. This community comprises approximately 12.5 lakh people spread across Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts. In February this year, Parliament approved reservations for several ethnic tribes, including the Pahari during its budget session. The Surankot constituency will vote in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections on September 25.
