Srinagar, Dec 28: J&K Apni Party Founder and President Muhammad Altaf Bukhari today demanded early restoration of Statehood and assembly elections for better representation of people.

He gave credit of recently concluded elections to people.

” I congratulate people for peaceful, enthusiastic participation and return of democracy,” he said.

Reacting to a question on forming of United front by all Kashmir based parties, Bukhari said, “when Lion comes, wolves gather together, Apni party is Lion and other parties are wolves,” he said.

Regarding the accusations of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, he said, ” I have held Omar Abdullah in high esteem. He is my dear leader. I am surprised over him for speaking lies. If anyone has started his Political career in the lap of BJP, that is none other than Omar Abdullah. He was a union minister in their Govt in 1998. BJP made Mehbooba Mufti Chief Minister of J&K only days after she bagged votes to keep them away. Apni party has never joined hands with BJP. The day we will support them, we will declare it openly. We will never lie to people.yes we will meet Prime Minister, Home Minister for concerns of people. History will never forget the role of Mehbooba in bringing BJP here. What lessons she will give to us.

Regarding the reports of horse trading of DDC candidates, he said, ” Politicians have been trading people here from last 72 years. I can never do that. I hold opinion and personality of everyone of them in high esteem. If anyone of them have change of heart and want to join Apni Party, why should we stop them.”

He also said people have so much of love for the J&K Apni Party, “we don’t need support of any other party.” (KNS)