Sayed Mushtaq Ahmed Shah Bukhari, a former minister and BJP candidate from Surankote, tragically passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. He was 75 years old. Bukhari, who had been unwell for some time, collapsed around 7 a.m., as confirmed by party officials. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
Bukhari, a two-time MLA from Surankote, recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in February after the Center’s decision to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to hill communities. He belonged to this community and was fielded as the BJP’s candidate for the Surankote constituency in the ongoing Assembly elections held on September 25. Prior to his association with the BJP, Bukhari spent over 40 years with the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), leaving the party in 2022 due to a disagreement with party president Farooq Abdullah over the ST status issue.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina expressed deep sorrow over Bukhari’s passing, calling him a “leader of the people.” Raina added, “His death has left a void that is very difficult to fill.” Political leaders across the spectrum have paid tribute to Bukhari for his decades-long service to the region.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah also condoled Bukhari’s death, highlighting his contributions to the Pahadi community. In a heartfelt statement, Abdullah said, “Very sorry to hear about the death of senior BJP leader Mushtaq Bukhari earlier today. His death is a loss to his party and the Pahadi people whose cause he pleaded. May Allah grant him place in Jannat. My condolences to his family,” Abdullah wrote on social media.
Bukhari’s passing marks a significant loss in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for the Pahadi community, for which he had long been a staunch advocate. His legacy as a committed leader will be remembered by many in the region.
