By Nazir Ahmed Kashmiri 

BJP facing a number game against the National Conference received a major blow by losing the power in Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC).

 The South Asian nuclear power facing not only an economic crisis but the Modi government proved not to be immune from the political crisis these days.

The National Conference (NC) was able to retain power in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in Kargil despite the saffron party exiting the alliance and withdrawing crucial support.

 In fact, the National Conference managed to create a rift in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and won one of the latter’s councilors to its side. The political scuffle deprived BJP from the power holding position. It was the second major blow to Indian government after facing a military defeat from China in Ladakh losing a fair chunk of territory.

The stakes at Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil were shared between BJP and NC. The lust of power made the BJP work with the National Conference, who they termed to be as part of the “Gupkar Gang” in Kashmir. 

The ruling party had to face severe criticism over this alliance. Soon after BJP withdrew its support from the coalition the National Conference was able to retain power by turning one of the BJP’s councilors to its side winning the number game. 

The main reason of BJP’s withdrawal was the overarching support of National Conference to the Gupkar declaration for reinstating the special identity of Jammu and Kashmir.

In the Hill council elections held in 2018, out of 26 elected members of the LAHDC-Kargil, 10 came from the National Conference, eight from the Congress, three from the BJP and five (Independents). 

The Ladakh Union Territory administration nominated four members to the 30-member Council. The autonomous hill councils work with village panchayats to take decisions on economic development, healthcare, education, land use, taxation, and local governance which are further reviewed at the block headquarters in the presence of the chief executive councilor and executive councilors. 

Due to its crucial role in its developmental process of Ladakh the representation in the autonomous hill developmental council is extremely important.

BJP dragged out of the decision-making position from the LAHDC would bring consequences. 

The matter has brought a jolt in Kargil as this political scuffle could be detrimental for the people of Ladakh. 

The loss of political power in presence of an already tense military environment at the Line of Actual Control with China will be deteriorating for the Indian government.