Ladakh braces for Leh versus Kargil electoral showdown in LS elections

Shot in arm for NC candidate as Sajjad Kargili withdraws nomination; ‘forging unity on religious lines quite unfortunate’: LBA chief

Jammu: In a significant move aimed at solidifying unity within the Shia Muslim-majority Kargil district, senior Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) leader and independent candidate for the lone Ladakh Lok Sabha seat, Sajjad Kargili, has decided to withdraw his nomination papers to throw his weight behind the National Conference candidate Haji Hanifa Jan.
This decision reshapes the electoral landscape, refocusing the Ladakh parliamentary contest into a direct confrontation between two ideologically different Leh and Kargil districts. Haji Hanifa Jan is now the lone contender from the Kargil district, while two Buddhist leaders—Tashi Gyalson of BJP and Tsering Namgyal of Congress are contesting from Leh district, making the electoral battle a triangular contest.
“Yes, I have withdrawn my nomination papers (in support of NC candidate Haji Hanifa Jan, who is also supported by the Kargil unit of Congress party),” Sajjad Kargili confirmed to The News Now.
The deadline for the withdrawal of nomination papers for the Ladakh seat is tomorrow (Monday). Kargili’s decision notably boosts the NC’s prospects in Kargil district, giving them an advantage over the two Buddhist candidates from Leh, provided neither of them withdraws from the race.
Qamar Ali Akhoon, former minister and additional general secretary of NC, was elated with the decision, hoping that it would cement the unity among the people in Kargil district. “Congress leader Kacho Mohammed Feroz has filed as a covering candidate to NC’s contender Haji Hanifa Jan who is the only candidate from the district,” he said.
When contacted, veteran Buddhist leader, Chering Dorjay Lakrook, who was elected as the new president of the influential apex body of Buddhists--Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) on Sunday, said, “As an apolitical entity, we have a restricted role in endorsing specific political candidates. However, it’s unfortunate that Kargil groups have aligned along religious lines, setting up a direct confrontation between Leh and Kargil. Undoubtedly, the lone candidate from Kargil will hold an edge over Leh candidates, barring there is no major dramatic turnaround on Monday (the last day of withdrawal of nomination papers)”.
Sajjad Kargili’s decision has been widely appreciated by social, religious and political organisations of Kargil district.
Syed Kazim Hussaini, social activist and Media Secretary of Anjuman-e-Inqlab Mehdi Suru Kargil-- a famous Socio-religious organization of Tai-suru tehsil, said, “My sincere gratitude to our dynamic leaders, Mustafa Haji and Sajjad Kargili for their great sacrifice in uniting the nation. Your leadership exemplifies true dedication. I am proud to be led by such dynamic individuals”.
“@SajjadKargili_legacy of service to Kargil spans decades, always putting the community first. His withdrawal from the Ladakh parliamentary election reaffirms his dedication to Kargil's unity and future. True leadership in action! #KargilUnity”, Ahmed Qadire, vice-president SEMOK (Students Educational Movement of Kargil) Ladakh wrote on ‘X’.
In its May 3 edition, The News Now exclusively reported that Sajjad Kargili’s decision to enter the electoral race would serve as a major jolt to the National Conference’s efforts to consolidate Shia Muslim votes with the help of local Congress leaders in Kargil district “to ensure the defeat” of BJP candidate Tashi Gyalson.
Pertinently, the BJP won the Ladakh Parliamentary seat for two successive Lok Sabha elections. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, veteran politician Thupstan Chhewang won this seat as BJP candidate by a margin …

Updated On 5/6/2024 3:28:15 AM