Srinagar, Apr 15: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today defended the visits of senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh and People’s Conference President Sajad Gani Lone to his residence some days back saying the doors are open for the leaders of all political parties.
“I have personal relations with leaders in all political parties including National Conference, PDP, People’s Conference, Congress, Democratic Progressive Azad Party and BJP. I respect them all. They are more senior and experienced than me. The doors of my house are open for all of them,” he said.
Bukhari was talking to media persons at the Apni Party head office here after a party function. Asked whether he, Chugh and Lone discussed politics at his residence as is being alleged by NC Vice President Omar Abdullah,” Even if we discussed politics, why should I tell you? I did not meet them at night as some others do. I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the day and the entire media covered it. Whatever I do I do it openly as I believe in the politics of truth.”
About Omar’s allegation that the BJP has established its teams in Kashmir and that it is not fielding its own candidates the Apni Party President said,” I respect Omar sahab. But it is also a fact that Omar sahab has himself left Srinagar (constituency).”
Asked whether the Apni Party will field a candidate in Baramulla constituency or not, he said a decision will be taken about it at an appropriate time and announced subsequently.
To a question as to why the Apni Party did not field any candidate in Jammu constituencies, Bukhari said,” We are focusing on parliamentary seats in Kashmir only. In Jammu, our priority is assembly polls. I returned from there yesterday and we are busy with assembly election preparations there.”
When asked to whom his party is supporting in Jammu in the parliamentary polls, he said that party, which says truth. “We support the party which will restore our statehood, which will guarantee employment to our unemployed youth and ensure the release of elderly and jailed religious leaders. Shortly I will also name that party,” the Apni Party President said.
Bukhari stated that Apni Party is doing the politics of truth and people are welcoming it by joining the party in large numbers across Jammu and Kashmir.