The Apni Party has issued a show cause notice to its party leader, Muntazir Mohiuddin, for extending support to National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, who is contesting elections from Budgam.
Muntazir, who was the Apni Party’s candidate from Budgam, has already withdrawn his candidature.
Muntazir, who also serves as the party’s chief spokesman, said that with Omar Abdullah entering the race, Budgam became a high-profile constituency.
“To avoid a division of votes, I withdrew my candidacy. If Omar Abdullah wins from Budgam, then the problems faced by the people for the last three decades will be solved,” he told reporters on Friday.
Incidentally, Muntazir participated in a door-to-door campaign led by Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari in the Chanapora constituency in Srinagar the same day.
The Apni Party has asked Muntazir to clarify his remarks supporting Omar Abdullah within 48 hours, or face disciplinary action.
“Party has urged Muntazir to clarify his remarks before the party leadership within 48 hours, failing which, a disciplinary action will be initiated against him,” a statement issued by the Apni Party said.
Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party spokesperson Mohit Bhan raised concern over the withdrawal of candidature by Apni Party leader in support of Omar and even sought answer from NC Member Parliament Aga Ruhullah over this issue. The Apni Party headed by Bukhari is accused by its rivals of being the B-team of the BJP, which is denied by the party.
“Key Member Of B-Team of BJP has officially announced its support for Omar Abdullah in Budgam.
I urge the sitting MP Aga @RuhullahMehdi to clarify his stand on aligning with the BJP in his home turf. Kashmir deserves transparency, not backdoor deals,” Bhat said in a post on X.
