From doorsteps to dreams, Bukhari engages voters personally

Srinagar, Sep 22: On Sunday morning, exactly at 9 am, a fleet of cars rushing through the narrow alley of Sheikh Bagh commenced the election campaign of the Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari, who is contesting the J&K assembly polls from the Channapora constituency.

For the last many weeks, Bukhari, in a bid to connect with the voters ahead of the upcoming elections, preferred door-to-door election campaigns over holding public rallies in his constituency.

He is the first politician who introduced the concept of door-to-door campaigns for elections in Kashmir.

On Sunday, as part of his routine, he spent the day walking through the narrow alleys and streets of Natipora, Mehjoor Nagar, Badshah Nagar, and Channapora area of his constituency as part of his door-to-door campaign.

As Bukhari disembarked from his vehicle, his first interaction was at Mushtaq Provisional Store, a grocery shop at Mehjoor Nagar. This set the trend for his door-to-door campaign on Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Surrounded by SSG and SPG personnel, he ensured that he entered every house, met voters personally, and made an appeal to vote.

Bukhari walked by foot through both the densely populated alleys and wider link roads, making it a point to meet as many people as possible.

During his interaction with the people, he urged them to come out on September 25 and vote for him by pressing the "symbol of bat' on the electronic voting machine.

Bukhari’s interaction was a mix of warmth and frustration as he listened to the grievances of the local populace.

Clad in a simple attire, the Apni Party President who is the candidate for the constituency highlighted his vision for the constituency and promised an end to the developmental lag that, according to many, has plagued the area for years.

At several locations, Bukhari was honoured with garlands, as local residents greeted him with respect and appreciation for taking the time to visit their neighbourhoods personally.

Many expressed their hope that giving him a chance again will bring development to the area.

Last time Bukhari was elected from the Amira Kadal constituency which has been now renamed as Chanpora constituency, post delimitation exercise.

Complaints ranged from the installation of smart meters to poor road and drainage systems in many areas while some raised issues of discrimination on developmental fronts.

“We have faced discrimination in terms of development. During these 10 years, not a single project was executed in our area," an aggrieved resident of Old Natipora shared with Bukhari.

To this, Buhkari assured the residents that all these issues would be addressed after the elections and urged them to vote for him in the elections scheduled on September 25.

“I understand your pain and the neglect you have faced. My sole aim is to work for the betterment of this constituency and ensure that Chanpora receives its due share in development,” he said urging them to come out in large numbers on election day to cast their vote.

Despite the varied reactions from residents, Bukhari’s effort to directly interact with the electorate - covering long distances on foot left a positive impression on many.

“Meeting people gives me a unique sense of satisfaction, and personally listening to their grievances and difficulties they face gives me an idea of what needs to be done,” Bukhari told Greater Kashmir. “The truth is that my strength is only in their faces and emotions. Otherwise, politics is not my profession. No one in my family has done politics. No one will do it in the future. Whether I do politics or not, Altaf Bukhari will always remain for these people.”

As the foot march continued from Mehjoor Nagar to Badhshah Nagar to Natipora, the supporters also started accompanying Bukhari to boost his morale during his campaign.

During his door-to-door interactions, he said that the Apni Party would ensure that youth have a bright future.

“I preferred door-to-door campaign over public rally as I wanted to listen to the grievances of my people. The major issue they are facing is unemployment. When I was elected as their representative (MLA) last time, these youth were in colleges and universities and now they are sitting at home despite having doctorates,” Bukhari said talking to Greater Kashmir during his campaign trail. “Instead of causing inconveniences to my people by asking them to attend my rallies, I decided to reach out to them myself and listen to their issues.”

At one location, residents shared with him that they repaired the drain of their link road by contributing out of their own pocket, to which Bukhari replied, “All the drains will get repaired after October 8, 2024. Roads will be renovated immediately and blacktopping will be done next year.”

During his campaign, Bukhari took a lunch break at 2 pm and resumed the campaign at 3 pm again to meet the residents of Channapora.

On balancing personal and public life, Bukhari said that those who were in politics or have public life do not have a personal life.

“Those who want to have a personal life, they should live it but as a politician, I share my personal life with my people,” he said.

As his election campaign nears the end owing to the elections on September 25, Bukhari said that the decision to have a door-to-door campaign instead of holding public rallies proved fruitful for him.

“By visiting every individual, I was able to reconnect with my people here as elections are being held after 10 years. I achieved my goal in this campaign and I am satisfied with it,” Bukhari said.