Third Front Forms in Ladakh Amidst Election Restrictions

Asif Iqbal | April 13, 2024 | 08:54 AM IST | Ladakh (Union Territory) | Follow on Google News

Third Front Forms in Ladakh Amidst Election Restrictions

Third Front Forms in Ladakh Amidst Election Restrictions

As anticipation builds for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Ladakh, a new dynamic is shaping the political landscape with the emergence of a third front. While the candidates for the strategically significant Ladakh parliamentary seat are yet to be announced, the traditional rivalry between the BJP and Congress faces a formidable challenge from the newly coalescing third front.

According to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), advocating for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, are joining forces to contest the elections jointly. Internal discord within the BJP adds further complexity to the electoral scenario, with party leadership working to address internal rifts.

The stakes are high for the BJP, aiming for a hat-trick victory and seeking to consolidate its position amidst evolving political dynamics. The election holds significance as it will validate the decision to revoke Article 370 and designate Ladakh as a Union Territory. In past elections dating back to 1967, the Congress has secured victory six times, followed by the NC twice, Independents thrice, and the BJP only twice. However, since 2014, the BJP has dominated the electoral landscape, while the Congress last emerged victorious in 1996.

Notably, the NC secured wins in 1998 and 1999, followed by Independents in the subsequent elections in 2004 and 2009.In the current electoral landscape, the NC has ceded the seat to Congress as part of an agreement between the two parties. Meanwhile, advocates for statehood, led by Sonam Wangchuk along with LAB and KDA, are contemplating fielding a joint candidate to amplify their representation in Parliament. The names of potential candidates, including Sajjad Kargili and Dr. Akhoon, CEC of Kargil Hill Council, has been deliberated upon, although no final decision has been reached. With a total of 184,268 voters, including 91,826 women and 92,442 men, along with 1,570 senior voters, 7,462 young voters, and 1,123 disabled voters, the forthcoming elections promise to be a crucial juncture in Ladakh’s political trajectory.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by VoM News staff and is published from syndicated feed)

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.