SRINAGAR: In a significant political development, former two-time legislator Syed Basharat Bukhari is expected to formally join Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) next week.

Talks between Bukhari and Azad have been ongoing for the past several months, with several politicians expressing interest in joining the party.

“Basharat Bukhari and other politicians have engaged in discussions with us over the past several months. The delay was due to Bukhari’s aspiration to contest the north Kashmir parliamentary seat. Once he officially joins the party, which is likely to happen next week, we will determine his future political role within the DPAP,” stated a source close to Azad.

Having previously severed ties with the PDP, NC, and PC, Bukhari has experienced a decline in public support within the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about his political revival upon joining the DPAP.