Mushtaq Bukhari, a prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Surankote Assembly constituency in Poonch district, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 75. Bukhari suffered a fatal heart attack in Surankote, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated political service in the region.
The sudden demise of Bukhari, who was a candidate for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections in 2024, has sent shockwaves through the political community. Numerous political figures expressed their condolences and paid tribute to the veteran leader.
Kavinder Gupta, former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, took to social media platform X to express his grief. “I express my condolences on the sudden demise of BJP leader Mushtaq Bukhari ji,” Gupta posted, reflecting the deep sorrow felt by the party.
State BJP President Ravinder Raina also expressed his shock at Bukhari’s untimely death. “Shocked & deeply pained to hear about the demise of a Political Stalwart and BJP Candidate from Surankote Assembly Constituency Jenab Sayeed Mushtaq Bukhari Sahib. This is an irreparable loss to the whole of society in Rajouri and Poonch. I express my heartfelt condolences,” Raina wrote in his tribute on X.
Leaders from across the political spectrum joined in mourning Bukhari’s loss. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti conveyed her sympathies, writing, “Saddened to know about the death of Syed Mushtaq Bukhari sahab. May Allah Ta’aala grant him jannat & give his family strength to bear this loss.”
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also shared his condolences, remarking, “Very sorry to hear about the death of senior BJP leader Mushtaq Bukhari earlier today. His death is a loss to his party & the Pahadi people whose cause he pleaded. May Allah grant him place in Jannat. My condolences to his family.”
Mushtaq Bukhari was a respected figure in his constituency and played a vital role in advocating for the rights of the Pahadi people in the region. His passing leaves a significant void in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir as the state prepares for the upcoming elections.
