SRINAGAR : Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to postpone the forthcoming elections to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs), citing harsh winter conditions, large-scale seasonal migration and insufficient time for revision of electoral rolls.
In a letter dated November 11, Haneefa said the proposed election schedule did not adequately take into account Ladakh’s geographical, climatic, educational and social circumstances, warning that holding polls in haste could adversely affect voter participation and public confidence in the democratic process.
The representation follows a notification issued by the UT administration on November 9, vide No. 549-LA (GAD) of 2026, announcing general elections to the LAHDCs in eight districts of Ladakh.
Haneefa said the election schedule was too short given the approaching winter, likely snowfall and accessibility challenges in remote areas. He argued that several villages could become difficult to reach or remain disconnected because of road blockages and severe weather, creating difficulties for voters, election staff, candidates and political representatives.
He particularly highlighted the difficulties elderly citizens, women and persons with disabilities could face in reaching polling stations under harsh winter conditions.
Another major concern raised by the MP was the seasonal migration of Ladakh’s population to other parts of the country, including Jammu, Delhi, Chandigarh, Bengaluru and Mumbai.
He said a considerable number of residents temporarily move outside Ladakh because of extreme winter conditions, employment, business and other essential requirements. Many of them are registered voters who could be deprived of the opportunity to return to their native constituencies and exercise their franchise if elections are held during this period.
Haneefa also drew attention to students pursuing higher education and competitive examination coaching outside Ladakh.
He said many students migrate to Jammu, Srinagar, Delhi, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Bengaluru and other places for higher education, NEET, JEE and civil services preparation. Holding elections during this period, he argued, could prevent young registered voters from returning to their constituencies to participate in the electoral process.
The MP also questioned the short period reportedly provided for revision and publication of the LAHDC electoral rolls, describing the four-day timeframe as a serious concern.
He said preparation and revision of electoral rolls required adequate time for verification, public participation, correction of errors and disposal of objections.
“The preparation and revision of electoral rolls is an important democratic responsibility and requires sufficient time for proper verification, public participation, correction of errors and disposal of objections,” he wrote.
Emphasising that his representation was not against elections or the democratic process, Haneefa called for greater transparency and consultation with elected representatives, recognised political parties and other stakeholders before finalising the election programme.
He said the timing of elections should be decided after assessing the region’s seasonal migration patterns and geographical conditions to ensure maximum participation of eligible voters.
“An election is not meaningful simply because polling takes place; it is meaningful when every eligible citizen gets a fair and reasonable opportunity to cast their vote,” the MP said.
Haneefa urged the Union Home Minister to intervene and consider postponing the proposed LAHDC elections, saying administrative timelines should not take precedence over genuine public participation, transparency and the credibility of the democratic process.
He said the people of Ladakh, including those living in remote villages and temporarily residing outside the Union Territory, deserved an equal opportunity to elect their representatives.
