09-10-2023: The recent LAHDC-Kargil poll results have been hailed as a “referendum” by the National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance against the Indian government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir. In the elections for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil, the NC and Congress secured victory in 22 out of 26 seats, marking their strong performance.
This election holds significant importance as it was the first poll conducted after Ladakh was reorganized as a Union Territory following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. The NC and Congress’s resounding victory underscores the sentiments of the people of Kargil, who have been vocal in their opposition to the decision.
Hanifa Jan, the NC district president in Kargil, emphasized the need to restore the democratic system in Ladakh. The demand is for either granting full-fledged statehood to Ladakh or reinstating its previous position within the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Kargil are eager to break free from what they perceive as “bureaucratic slavery” under the lieutenant governor’s administration.
The NC leader further criticized the Indian government’s actions, stating that the decision to abrogate Article 370 was made without consulting the people of the region. Consequently, the election results serve as a “referendum” against these decisions, reflecting widespread discontent.
The alliance between the NC and Congress secured 22 seats, with two independents who share their ideological inclinations. The BJP won two seats, with one attributed to the alliance’s negligence. Effectively, the alliance won 24 seats, symbolizing the district’s rejection of the decisions taken in August 2019, which they perceive as a usurpation of democracy.
Issa Ali Shah, a senior Congress leader, reiterated the sentiment that the people of Kargil have consistently opposed the abrogation of Article 370. He emphasized that the BJP has a minimal presence in Kargil, where the majority seeks to remain integrated with Jammu and Kashmir.
Regarding the alliance’s future, the NC leader asserted that it extends beyond the council elections, with plans to collaborate in upcoming parliamentary elections. The alliance aims to field a secular candidate who can represent the people’s interests effectively, as they believe that the current MP aligns closely with the BJP-RSS agenda and neglects the concerns of Ladakh’s residents.
In the LAHDC-Kargil elections held on October 4, the NC emerged as the largest party with 12 seats, closely followed by the Congress with 10 seats. The BJP secured two seats, while two independent candidates also emerged victorious. The pre-poll alliance between the NC and Congress, which focused on areas with fierce competition against the BJP, demonstrated their commitment to preserving unity and democracy in Kargil.