Kashmir polls: Is a BJP tie-up likely with Apni Party, People’s Conference?

Rumours of an alliance between the BJP with parties such as the People’s Conference (PC) and Apni Party to end the dominance of conventional political parties like the Congress, National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party are gaining momentum in the Valley.

The recent meeting between BJP national general secretary, incharge, Jammu and Kashmir, Tarun Chugh, PC president Sajad Gani Lone and Apni Party chief Syed Mohammed Altaf Bukhari in Baramulla on Friday indicates something could be afoot.

What strengthened speculations was a photograph posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday by Srinagar-based journalist Leshan Wani, showing Chugh at Bukhari’s residence. It was captioned, “BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chug holds a closed-door meeting with Sajad Lone and Altaf Bukhari in Srinagar.” 

Bukhari did confirm the meeting but tried to play it down, saying, “There is nothing political about the visit. I was unwell and they came to enquire about my health. Sajad sahib keeps visiting me and we have family terms.” 

When asked when Apni Party would announce its candidate for the Baramulla seat, he said, “We will announce that after Eid.”

 Lok Sabha elections for the five seats in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in five phases. Srinagar will vote in the fourth phase on May 13 and Baramulla in the fifth phase on May 20.