SRINAGAR, SEPT 21: Apni Party chief spokesman Mohiuddin Muntazir’s decision to support former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Budgam has sparked a political uproar in Kashmir.
In a surprising move, Muntazir, who is considered close to the top leadership of the Apni Party, announced on Friday that he would withdraw his nomination and back Omar Abdullah. “After consulting with friends and well-wishers, I decided to withdraw my nomination in favour of Omar Abdullah. My friends unanimously agreed that this is the right decision,” Muntazir stated, according to Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
This development has sent ripples through political circles, with various stakeholders closely monitoring the situation. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took note of the situation, with spokesman Mohit Bhan commenting on the shift. “Everyone knows Muntazir has been an important member of BJP after 2019, and now he is supporting Omar Abdullah,” Bhan told reporters.
It’s notable that the National Conference (NC) has previously labelled the Apni Party as the “B-team” of the BJP. Bhan also questioned NC MP Aga Ruhullah, asking whether he had challenged the party for seeking the support of what they had called BJP’s B-team.
In response to the controversy, the Apni Party issued a show-cause notice to Muntazir for his remarks. “The Apni Party has issued a show-cause notice to its chief spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin for his purported support of Omar Abdullah,” the party said in a statement.
