Had given up my ministry but they brought me back forcibly : Basharat Bukhari
Says, “ If things don’t move in right direction, people have right to look for alternate platforms.”
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Srinagar, April 10 ( RNA) : Refusing to agree with the remarks made by former Chief Minster and President People’s Democratic Party Mehbooba Mufti, People’s Conference leader and former minister Syed Basharat Bukhari Saturday said that if things do not move in right directions in a party , the leaders have every right to look for other options and platforms, adding that his association with PDP was never for perks and portfolios.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of a Scholarship programme launch by a Chandigarh based Education chain, the former Law minster said that there was nothing on offer even this time while switching sides and insisted that “ when things don’t move as per the aspirations and vision laid out, people have every right to look for other platform.” When asked to comment on Mehbooba Mufti’s recent remarks over the leaders shifting loyalties, Mr. Bukhari said, “I had given up my ministry, but they brought me back forcibly. And it is not about personal comfort or perks. I believe, it is about the growth and spirit which was nowhere to be seen off late.”
“With all humility, I want to ask, when you don’t find things moving positively, why you should be expected to stick to that place. After all one should exercise his wit and find out the place where he can see things moving.” He added.
Pertinently Mehbooba Mufti in her recent remarks had accused leaders including Bukhari- without actually naming them -of switching sides for their “personal comfort and benefits”. While rejecting the assertions, Mr. Bukhari asked, “What personal comfort and benefits are on offer here for us .?” He added, that if people feel suffocated and see no grooming, they have every right to look for other platforms.
Regarding PAGD, Basharat Bukhari said that, all he had said was that he requested the leadership to be transparent and true to their slogans and promises.
“ I told them to please not lie to people again. Please tell them the road map and do not resort to sloganeering only.” Said Mr. Bukhari
Earlier the former minster launched a multi-crore scholarship programme of Chandigarh group of Colleges in Srinagar aiming to provide scholarship to meritorious students for perusing higher studies. The group of colleges would be providing five crore rupees worth Scholarship annually to the Kashmir based students for perusing higher education. RNA