In Srinagar, nestled within the embrace of Jammu and Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently caused seismic ripples across the political terrain of Ladakh. They named Tashi Gyalson, the chief executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in Leh, as their contender for the solitary Lok Sabha seat in the region. This maneuver stirred a cauldron of discontent among the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, who voiced his disillusionment and vowed to confer with his supporters before charting his course of action.
“The party’s decision has caught me off guard,” remarked Namgyal, reflecting on the unforeseen twist of events. “While I honor the party’s prerogative, I find myself pondering the reasoning behind this choice.”
Underscoring his legacy of service, Namgyal recounted his tireless endeavors towards the advancement of the Union Territory (UT) and its denizens. “Each day, I committed myself to furthering Ladakh’s interests. From our triumph in the LAHDC Kargil polls to maintaining the Leh hill development council, I believe I have contributed to bolstering the BJP’s sway in the area,” he articulated.
Nevertheless, the anointing of Tashi Gyalson as the BJP’s contender has left Namgyal and his supporters crestfallen. “I sought elucidation from senior party stalwarts regarding the decision-making process,” disclosed Namgyal. “There exists a sense of perplexity among my supporters too, as they did not foresee this outcome. Nevertheless, our allegiance to the party’s ideology remains steadfast.”
While extending felicitations to Gyalson for securing the party’s backing, Namgyal expressed apprehensions about the repercussions of the decision. “While I extend my heartfelt wishes to Tashi Gyalson, it is discernible that numerous party workers harbor discontent. This raises doubts about the BJP’s prospects in clinching the seat,” he cautioned.
The BJP’s move unfolds against a backdrop of simmering discontent among Ladakh’s populace over the central government’s failure to extend constitutional safeguards under the sixth schedule and confer statehood upon the UT.
Chering Dorje Lakruk, co-chairperson of Leh Apex Body and erstwhile minister, attributed the BJP’s choice to a bid to assuage the escalating resentment among the populace. “The sidelining of Namgyal by the BJP may constitute an endeavor to pacify the disgruntled masses, yet antipathy towards the party endures,” asserted Lakruk.
The failure to address the clamor for the sixth schedule and statehood has stoked fervent resentment against the BJP, Lakruk added, echoing the sentiments of many in Ladakh.
As the political theater intensifies, the Congress is yet to unveil its contender. It is anticipated to garner support from its ally, the National Conference, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lacks substantial traction in Ladakh.
In 2019, Namgyal captured national attention for his impassioned oration in the Lok Sabha defending the Modi government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and designate Ladakh as a distinct Union Territory. Prime Minister Modi and other BJP luminaries commended Namgyal for his articulate defense of the government’s actions.
As the polling date of May 20 looms, Ladakh braces itself for a fiercely contested electoral skirmish, with political luminaries strategically jockeying for success in the pivotal Lok Sabha seat of the region.