Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 30: Amid reports that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc is devising a strategy to field a strong candidate to snatch the Ladakh Lok Sabha seat from BJP, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) expressed its reservation over not contacting agitating groups.
Leh Apex Body (LAB) and KDA are jointly fighting the agitation for the sixth scheduled and statehood for Ladakh.
The agitating groups of Ladakh are expecting the National Conference and the Congress would take them on the board before announcing the candidate for this only seat of the cold desert.
“I’ve been receiving numerous calls asking whether the Kargil Democratic Alliance has been consulted regarding the selection of the Ladakh Lok Sabha candidate. As a core committee member of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, I’d like to clarify that both @JKNC_ and @INCIndia have independently selected their candidates for the Ladakh Lok Sabha seat within their respective parties. As of now, not a single meeting of KDA was held on this matter”, Sajjad Hussain popularly known Sajjad Kargali posted on his social media account.
Sajjad Kargali is also representative of Jamiat ul Ulama Isna The agitating groups of Ladakh are expecting the NC and the Congress would take them on board before announcing the candidate for the Ladakh seat.
I'd like to clarify that both @JKNC_ and @INCIndia have independently selected their candidates for the Ladakh Lok Sabha seat within their respective parties.
Under the new arrangement, a senior NC leader from Kargil district is likely to contest the Lok Sabha elections on the Congress ticket.
Discussions are underway regarding the selection of a joint candidate for the sole Lok Sabha seat in Ladakh.
Meanwhile, reports said that the Ladakh unit of the National Conference (NC) appears to have devised a unique strategy by allying with the Congress party in the region.
Under this arrangement, a senior NC leader from Kargil district is likely to contest the Lok Sabha elections on the Congress ticket, with the primary objective of thwarting the BJP candidate’s chance.
Some reports quoting sources in NC said that discussions are underway with the Congress party regarding the selection of a joint candidate for the sole Lok Sabha seat in Ladakh.
In this arrangement, the NC is committed to providing full support to its coalition partner, the Congress. However, internal dissatisfaction persists within the NC ranks regarding the high command’s decision.
Efforts are being made to persuade the Congress leadership to endorse the candidacy of an NC representative from the Kargil district, thereby upholding the principles of coalition politics and maximizing the chances of defeating the BJP candidate.
The rationale behind this proposal is to prevent the division of votes in the Shia Muslim-majority Kargil district, which could occur if the Congress fields a candidate from Leh. | 