Syed Basharat Bukhari (L) Fayaz Ahmad Mir (R)

Srinagar: Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, Syed Basharat Bukhari and Fayaz Mir are likely to leave the party, sources told The Kashmir Press.

It will be a setback for the PDP which is yet to recover from the jolt of senior party leaving the party in past one month.

Senior PDP leaders including Imran Reza Ansari, his uncle Abid Ansari and banker turned politician Haseeb Drabu have already quit the PDP for various reasons.

Imran has joined the People’s Conference led by Hurriyat turned pro-Indian leader, Sajad Lone.

Resignations of these party leaders from the PDP were follwed by Raja Aijaz Ali, the former Inspector General of Police.

“He will also join the Peoples Conference,” sources said.

According to the sources, legislator from Sangrama constiuency, Syed Basharat Bukhari is all set to leave the PDP.

“He is in talks with the National Conference,” sources said. “He will be most likely joining the NC in the coming days”.

Bukhari has been very important member of the PDP who fought three elections on the party ticket. He also served in the cabinet of ministers.

In the recently held party meeting, convened by party president, Mehbooba Mufti, Bukhari was absent.

“It was a quite significant indication that he is not keeping well with the party,” sources said.

Sources said Bukhari held a workers meeting at his native village Kreeri on December 09, where he sought suggestions from them whether he should join National Conference or Congress.

“Party workers unanimously suggested him to quit PDP and join the National conference to which he agreed,” sources said.

“He told them that he will soon announce his decision publicly”.

Bukhari could not be reached for the comment despite the repeated attempts. His version of the story will be included as soon The Kashmir Press will contact him.

Another senior party leader, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, who is member of Rajya Sabha on PDP’s ticket, is also in talks with the PC.

According to sources, PC is trying hard to get him in the party as they feel he can be a good replacement for BA Dar, currently party’s legislator from Kupwara.

“Lone has solid apprehensions that the PC will not win from Kupwara constituency,” sources said.

“They think Mir can be the best bet as he is already known in the constituency. Both the PC and Mir are engaged in back channel talks”.

He also ran in the Assembly elections in 2008 from Kupwara.

Sources said Mir was playing safe as he wanted to hide his cards.

“He can go either way,” sources said.

Talking to The Kashmir Press, Mir, however, refuted reports that he was intending to leave the PDP.

“I have always worked for the PDP. And I will remain in PDP. There is no question of leaving the party”.