BJP candidate Sayed Mushtaq Bukhari passes away from cardiac arrest in Poonch

Former minister and BJP candidate from Surankote, Mushtaq Ahmed Shah Bukhari, passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a heart attack at his residence in Poonch district. Bukhari, 75, was unwell for some time and collapsed at around 7 a.m., according to party officials. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.

A two-time MLA from Surankote, Bukhari had recently joined the BJP in February, following the Centre’s decision to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to hill communities. As a member of this community, Bukhari was nominated as the BJP candidate for Surankote in the ongoing Assembly elections, which took place on September 25. He had previously served as an influential leader in the region.

Bukhari’s decision to switch allegiance to the BJP came after a 40-year-long association with the National Conference (NC), which he left in 2022 due to disagreements with party president Farooq Abdullah over the ST status issue.

Leaders pay tribute

Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Ravinder Raina expressed deep sorrow over Bukhari’s passing, describing him as a “leader of the people” and stating that his demise left “a void that is very difficult to fill.”

Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference, also expressed his condolences. In a heartfelt message on social media, Abdullah acknowledged Bukhari’s contributions to his community and his support for the Pahadi people. He wrote, "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."