The National Conference-Congress alliance has emerged as the clear winner in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Council elections in Kargil. This victory comes after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the division of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh into two Union Territories.
Out of the 26 seats in the hill council, the alliance has secured 18 seats so far. The National Conference has won 10 seats, while the Congress has won eight seats. The BJP has managed to win only two seats. The counting of votes is still ongoing for the remaining five seats. A total of 85 candidates were in the running for the 26 seats.
The opposition parties viewed these elections as a referendum on the government’s decision to scrap Article 370. Many voters expressed their concerns about identity issues and the lack of democratic representation under the Union Territory administration. Some even expressed their desire for a reunion with Jammu and Kashmir, as they felt that the Union Territory status did not fulfill their expectations.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah urged the voters to send a clear message on the government’s decision through their vote.
It is worth mentioning that the Ladakh administration had initially denied the “plough” symbol to National Conference candidates, which led to a legal battle and the postponement of the elections. However, the Supreme Court eventually allowed the elections to proceed.
The demand for Ladakh to be granted full statehood and constitutional protection under the sixth schedule has gained momentum in recent years. Various political parties, social groups, and religious organizations in Ladakh have joined forces to oppose its Union Territory status. This unique alliance between Buddhist and Muslim groups in the Leh and Kargil districts presents a significant challenge to the BJP’s electoral prospects in Ladakh.