SRINAGAR: The Ladakh Lok Sabha seat is embroiled in a complex political scenario as sitting BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal mulls over contesting independently, while the National Conference urges its coalition partner Congress to field a candidate from Kargil rather than Leh.
Namgyal expresses discontent over being replaced by LAHDC Chairman Tashi Gyalson as the BJP’s candidate. He seeks explanations from senior party figures and suggests a decision will be forthcoming.
Nomination papers for the sole Ladakh seat must be filed by May 3, heightening tensions within the opposition camp. As part of the INDIA bloc alliance, the NC has been allocated three seats in the Kashmir region, while Congress has received two seats from Jammu and one from Ladakh.
However, delays in candidate announcements have complicated matters. In Kargil, NC leaders demand a Muslim candidate from Congress instead of a Buddhist one from Leh, presenting a conundrum for the national party.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), initially poised to field their candidates, now indicate their readiness to support the opposition’s nominee to prevent vote division that could favor the BJP.
Both groups have been vocal in advocating for Ladakh’s Sixth Schedule status and statehood. Despite unsuccessful talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs, LAB and KDA remain steadfast in their demands.
Namgyal’s potential independent candidacy adds another layer of complexity, reflecting internal divisions within the BJP.
The NC’s push for a candidate from Kargil signals strategic maneuvering to consolidate opposition support and challenge the BJP’s dominance in the region.
