Will consider joining NDA openly, says Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari

Anantnag, Apr 28: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday announced his openness to joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) when its formation materialises.
Bukhari made these remarks while speaking to the media persons on the sidelines of a party function in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. During his visit, he addressed two rallies at Veeri Bijhbera and Muniwar Anantnag, campaigning for the party candidate Zafar Iqbal Manhas.
Addressing “rumours” about the Bharatiya Janata Party’s alleged support for the Apni Party as the NDA candidates, Bukhari said, “As of now, the Apni Party hasn’t been made a part of the NDA. When the BJP is ready and my party authorises it, I will consider being a part of it. If and when the NDA formation happens, I will do so openly. I’m not someone who joins secretly at night.”
He said that in 2020, he had warned that the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) is a “facade to conceal unsavoury characters”. “Today, their true colours have been revealed as NC and PDP (People’s Democratic Party) hurl accusations at each other. I urge the people to firmly place these deceitful figures in their rightful position by defeating them, preventing further deception,” he said.
Responding to questions about supporting the rescheduling of polls in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, Altaf said his party has been ready for elections for four years. However, he said that all citizens should have the opportunity to vote. “My candidate couldn’t travel via the Mughal Road, which remains closed even today. For the past day, 20 of our vehicles have been stranded on this route. One can only imagine the plight of the common people,” he added.
The Apni Party chief said that voting should only proceed when weather conditions permit and every citizen has the opportunity to cast their vote. This government is committed to ensuring that no one is deprived of their right to vote, he said.
Regarding the rescheduling and expectations from the Election Commission of India, he expressed hope that the ECI would act fairly and schedule the polls at a time when everyone can participate in the voting process.
On allegations that the rescheduling of polls is a conspiracy to support the Apni Party, Bukhari said, “In the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, the contest is between the National Conference and the Apni Party. This ‘double-meaning monkey’ is nowhere to be found, and the PDP has no role in the Anantnag Rajouri parliamentary seat.”