Drass, known as the world’s second-coldest inhabited place, is currently in the throes of election fever as it prepares for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council elections in Kargil. This election is particularly significant as it is the first one held in Kargil after the abrogation of Article 370, which led to Ladakh becoming a separate Union Territory (UT) in August 2019.
The election in Kargil is primarily a contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a united Opposition comprising the National Conference (NC) and Congress. Many view Wednesday’s vote as a referendum to gauge whether the people have accepted the Centre’s decision on August 5, 2019.
Mohammad Iqbal, a long-time resident of Drass, emphasizes that this election carries more weight in terms of people’s identity than development. Iqbal, who worked as a porter with the Army for 40 years, including during the Kargil War in 1999, expresses a sense of political disempowerment among the residents since Ladakh transitioned into a Union Territory. Despite the diminished authority of the Hill Council, the election remains crucial for the local populace.
A total of 85 candidates are vying for the 26 seats in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil. The BJP is fielding candidates in 17 constituencies and supporting some Independent candidates.
Kargil has been a historical stronghold of the National Conference, with the Congress serving as its primary rival. However, in a strategic move, both parties have come together to challenge the BJP’s dominance.
Religious institutions, such as the Jamiat Ulema Kargil (Islamia School), traditionally aligned with the National Conference, and the Imam Khumaini Memorial Trust, supporting the Congress, play a pivotal role in shaping Kargil’s politics. Religious leaders have also urged the public to vote against the BJP.
During the campaign, Jamyang Namgyal, the BJP MP from Ladakh, appealed to voters not to support the NC-Congress alliance and made controversial remarks about NC chief Farooq Abdullah. This rhetoric added to the intense political climate.
The Ladakh administration’s denial of the “plough” symbol to National Conference candidates led to a legal battle, ultimately resulting in the postponement of the hill council polls. The Supreme Court intervened, setting a new election date for October 4, with results expected on October 8.
These hill council elections assume significance due to the unusual political alliance between Buddhist and Muslim groups in Ladakh, which have united to oppose Ladakh’s UT status. They are demanding full statehood and constitutional protection under the 6th schedule, marking a significant shift in the region’s political landscape over the past three years.
