The National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance have characterized the results of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil elections as a "referendum" against the central government's decision to abrogate Article 370 and divide Jammu and Kashmir.
In the recently declared results of the LAHDC-Kargil elections, the NC and Congress secured a combined total of 22 out of 26 seats. This election marked the first poll since Ladakh became a Union Territory (UT) following the revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
The leaders of the NC and Congress expressed their views on the election outcome, emphasizing the significance of the people's voice. Hanifa Jan, NC district president in Kargil, stressed the need to restore the democratic system in Ladakh and suggested that if full statehood could not be granted, the region should return to its previous position within Jammu and Kashmir.
Jan criticized the decision of the Indian government, describing it as a betrayal that lacked consultation with the local population. He viewed the election results as a clear referendum against these decisions.
Issa Ali Shah, a senior Congress leader, highlighted the consistent opposition of the people of Kargil to the abrogation of Article 370, emphasizing their desire to remain united with Jammu and Kashmir.
Regarding the future of their alliance, Jan stated that it extended beyond the council elections and aimed to maintain unity in Kargil. He mentioned that the alliance would continue into the Lok Sabha polls, emphasizing the importance of a secular candidate who could win and represent the people effectively.
In the LAHDC-Kargil elections held on October 4, the NC emerged as the largest party with 12 seats, while the Congress secured victory in 10 seats. The BJP won two seats, and two independent candidates also succeeded. The pre-poll alliance between the NC and Congress was established primarily in areas where they faced strong competition from the BJP.
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