As a prominent industrialist of Kashmir, Syed Altaf Bukhari needs no introduction. Bukhari’s economic fortunes are believed to have taken a turn for good with the mass introduction of pesticides in the Valley’s fruit orchards that, interestingly, also coincided with the eruption of militancy and political turmoil in Kashmir during early nineties. Now, his business interests are expansive. They include but are not restricted to making juices and packaged drinking water. Some reports have also hinted at the industrialist’s newly cultivated interest in real estate. But it has not been confirmed yet. Regardless, Altaf Bukhari has made a name for himself, and a lot of money that will sustain many, many generations of Bukharis. As a politician, however, Bukhari is a novice. His career started ahead of the 2014 assembly elections when he was officially inducted into the Peoples Democratic Party by the party founded Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Though he has managed to stay in good books of the clashing forces in Kashmir, it is no secret that he has had his own share of troubles and controversies during his rise to fame. After emerging victorious in the last assembly elections from Amira Kadal constituency, he was inducted into the cabinet where his clout kept growing with each passing day. From floriculture, he jumped to tourism and education before landing himself the second most prestigious ministry of finance, next only to the chief minister’s chair. However, despite an old and personal relationship with the PDP founder, he couldn’t get along well with the new leadership. He was expelled by the party last year. After remaining in hibernation for nearly five months during which he hobnobbed with God knows who, the former minister made a dramatic appearance at the Raj Bhawan in Jammu on January 8, Wednesday, with a group of seven former lawmakers from the PDP. Brimming with confidence, Bukhari submitted a memorandum before the J&K’s LG GC Murmu which includes restoration of statehood to J&K, exclusive rights for locals over land and government jobs and economic packages for different sectors among other demands. According to reports, Bukhari is also planning to meet the incarcerated chief ministers of J&K. He has already got the support of seven former lawmakers of Kashmir. More leaders are going to shake hands with him in coming days, if media reports are to be believed. Only time will tell if he is a Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad in making or not!