Dissent within the Peoples Democratic Party became apparent on Monday when Member of Parliament Tariq Hameed Karra boycotted the swearing-in ceremony and senior leader Altaf Bukhari was dropped from the list of Ministers.
“I had a meeting with Mehboobaji late night. I wanted three Ministers, who played a dubious role and are responsible for the failure of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, to be dropped. However, she has not (dropped them),” said Mr. Karra, explaining why he stayed away from the swearing-in ceremony.
Sources said Mr. Karra had advised Ms. Mufti to drop three former PDP Ministers who had allegedly conspired against the party. He also alleged that several PDP leaders got close to the BJP during the course of government formation in a bid to sideline Ms. Mufti, said the sources.
Interestingly, PDP loyalist Altaf Bukhari, legislator from Amirakadal constituency, was dropped from the Council of Ministers despite performing well as Roads and Buildings Minister during Mr. Sayeed’s tenure.
“It is the Chief Minister’s prerogative … My relationship with the Mufti family is not political. It is a personal relationship that is three decades old,” Mr. Bukhari told The Hindu .
Describing “Karra sahib” as his “elder brother” with whom he had “no differences,” Mr. Bukhari said: “My relation with the Muftis will not come under any cloud. I am not a politician by choice. I wanted to serve on a platform and when I got a chance. I did it to the best of my capabilities,” he added.
Describing Amirakadal as the “heart of Srinagar,” Mr. Bukhari cautioned against reading too much into his exclusion from the Cabinet.
“We were all unanimous on Ms. Mufti taking over as party leader. In fact, I am happy that Mufti Sayeed’s dream has come true today,” he said.
