PDP Has Turned into a Family-Run Party; Only Apni Party Is Serious About Statehood: Altaf Bukhari

 

Sachnews Jammu Kashmir

Srinagar, July 27: Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari strongly criticized the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that it has devolved into a family-run organization, betraying its founding principles.

Speaking at a public event, Bukhari as per Sachnews Jammu Kashmir said, “The problem with the PDP is that it has ended up in the hands of a single family. It was established in 1999 to provide a political alternative, to end dynastic rule, and to challenge the arrogant monopoly of the National Conference. Unfortunately, over time, the PDP itself has turned into a ‘Khandani Jamaat’ — a family-run party.”

He further claimed that many leaders who had worked closely with the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed now feel sidelined and humiliated. “I invite those individuals to join the Apni Party. Together, we will work to restore the dignity and rights of the people,” Bukhari said.

Taking a dig at the traditional political parties of Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari accused them of compromising the region’s interests for personal and political gains. “Over the past several decades, these parties have sold everything to New Delhi. From surrendering the post of Prime Minister to allowing the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in this region, they have compromised on everything,” he alleged.

Highlighting the achievements of his own party, Bukhari asserted that the Apni Party is the only political group that has managed to secure tangible outcomes from the Centre. “After August 2019, we ensured the protection of the special rights of the people over land and jobs. That was our achievement shortly after the party was founded,” he said.

Bukhari accused traditional parties of lacking seriousness in their demand for the restoration of statehood. “They are not even willing to join hands to strengthen this demand before the Centre. No sincere efforts are being made. Only the Apni Party is preparing and building strength for a genuine struggle for the restoration of statehood,” he asserted.

Regarding the abrogation of Article 370, Bukhari criticized the role of the Congress Party. “Had the Congress not aligned with the BJP on August 5, 2019, to change the constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir, the bill would not have passed in the Rajya Sabha. That change wouldn’t have been possible without Congress support,” he added.