In absence of a BJP candidate, it is expected that a majority of the Pahari vote may go in favour of Mufti. While a large section of tribal population, including some Paharis, support Altaf of NC for his spiritual influence over the community, a deepening wedge between Paharis and Gujjar-Bakarwal is likely to make many Paharis to vote against Altaf. The Gujjar-Bakarwal community had protested against the government decision of giving reservation to Paharis.
