PC’s intra-party election aimed at promoting internal democracy: Basharat Bukhari

Srinagar, Oct 24: Senior Peoples Conference leader Syed Basharat Bukhari on Monday said the first-ever election for the post of the party’s president is aimed at “promoting internal democracy” and “giving a sense of belongingness to every leader in the party”.
Bukhari, who is chairman of the PC’s election authority, said that Peoples Conference is a four-decade-old party and like every other democratic political organization, it runs in accordance with democratic norms and constitution.
He said the suggestion for holding elections for the post of the president came from Sajad Gani Lone.
“There were no discussions or demands from anyone for the election. The idea of election for the post of president was suggested by Sajad Gani Lone himself,” he said, adding that the exercise is aimed at “giving a democratic feel and a sense of belonging to every leader within the party.”
In its 44-year-old history, Peoples Conference is holding election for the post of the president in the first week of November. The party was founded by late Abdul Gani Lone, late Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari and others in 1978.
In its first election in 1983, the party was the second highest vote-getter among State’s regional parties.
It secured 100622 votes followed by Jamaat-e-Islamia with 85187 votes.
In 1983 election, Abdul Gani Lone(PC founder), Abdul Haq Khan( former minister), Nizamuddin Bhat( former MLA), Muhammad Akbar Lone( incumbent MP from Baramulla Lok Sabha seat), Muzaffar Hussain Baig( former deputy CM) were among its candidates.
The party stayed away from elections after 1987, which were marred by allegations of rigging.
After more than two decades, Peoples Conference rejoined electoral politics in 2009 when Sajad Gani Lone contested 2009 Lok Sabha polls from Baramulla.
Since then Lone has revived and strengthened the party beyond its stronghold of north Kashmir.
Asked about the party’s prospects in assembly elections, Bukhari said that the party would emerge as a major force in Jammu and Kashmir.
“PC has never got a chance to serve, let us hope the people will give us a chance,” he said.