In a significant political realignment ahead of the upcoming panchayat and municipal elections in Ladakh, Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, a formerly expelled leader of the National Conference (NC) and ex-chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in Kargil, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Simultaneously, two other prominent figures in Kargil, Raza Abbasi, former director of Sheep and Animal Husbandry, and social activist Fida Hussain, have aligned themselves with the Indian National Congress. These moves signal a dynamic shift in the political landscape of the region as parties intensify their efforts to consolidate support for the November 21 local body polls.
The development comes amidst heightened political activity across Ladakh, with various political factions actively working to bolster their organizational strength, mobilize public backing, and solidify their positions in anticipation of the crucial elections. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon’s departure from the NC followed his expulsion for a six-year term on July 18, a consequence of his refusal to adhere to a pre-poll rotational power-sharing agreement with the Congress. This agreement stipulated that power within the LAHDC, Kargil, was to be shared on a rotational basis after every 2.5 years.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the LAHDC, Kargil, was dissolved on October 21 by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration. This dissolution occurred subsequent to the resignations of several key council members, including Akhoon himself, three executive councillors, and six councillors. The administrative decision to dissolve the council also coincides with the recent creation of new administrative districts, namely Drass, Zanskar, and Sankoo, which have consequently altered the territorial boundaries of the former Kargil district.
During the joining ceremony held in Kargil, Mohd Jaffer Akhoon articulated that his close association with the BJP over the preceding three years had provided him with a deeper understanding of the party, moving beyond the negative perceptions that he acknowledged were prevalent among the local populace. He specifically referenced his interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and senior BJP leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, stating that he was particularly impressed by their approach and commitment to public service. Akhoon also highlighted the BJP’s support during his advocacy for district recognition and improved healthcare facilities in the region, invoking the party’s slogan, “Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai.” He expressed his gratitude towards the BJP’s Ladakh unit and its leadership for their backing.
In a separate event, Raza Abbasi, identified as the son of former Zanskar MLA Haji Abbas, and Fida Hussain formally joined the Congress. Their induction into the party was facilitated in the presence of Asgar Ali Karbalai, the working president of the Ladakh Territorial Congress, along with other senior party leaders. A Congress leader commented on the significance of Abbasi and Hussain joining their ranks, stating that it represents a notable development in Kargil’s local political arena, particularly in the lead-up to the municipal committee elections.
The political maneuvering in Kargil underscores the intense competition expected in the upcoming local body elections. The shifts in allegiance by prominent local leaders are indicative of the strategic calculations being made by national and regional parties to gain an electoral advantage in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The dissolution of the LAHDC, Kargil, and the redrawing of district boundaries add another layer of complexity to the electoral dynamics, potentially influencing voter sentiment and party strategies.
The National Conference, a key regional player, faces the challenge of navigating these defections and reinforcing its base in Kargil. The party’s previous agreement with the Congress for power-sharing in the LAHDC, Kargil, which Akhoon reportedly refused to honor, has evidently contributed to the current political fragmentation. The expulsion of Akhoon and the subsequent resignations of other council members created a vacuum that has now been filled by new political alignments.
The BJP’s successful induction of Akhoon is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the Kargil region, an area where it has been working to expand its influence. Akhoon’s stated appreciation for the BJP’s leadership and their approach suggests a potential shift in voter perception, which the party will likely seek to leverage. The Congress, on the other hand, aims to reinforce its traditional support base by bringing in figures like Abbasi and Hussain, who are described as prominent faces with established connections in the community.
The upcoming elections are not just about local governance but also represent an opportunity for political parties to demonstrate their electoral strength in the newly formed Union Territory of Ladakh. The outcomes in Kargil will be closely watched as indicators of broader political trends and the effectiveness of party strategies in this strategically important region. The creation of new districts may also lead to new electoral dynamics, as parties adapt their campaigning and outreach efforts to the altered administrative map.
The political realignments in Kargil highlight the fluid nature of regional politics and the constant efforts by parties to adapt to changing circumstances and capitalize on opportunities. The coming weeks will likely see further political activity as parties finalize their strategies and candidates for the November 21 elections, with the focus remaining on securing public mandate in the evolving political landscape of Ladakh.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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