Voters in the Kargil region of Ladakh turned out in large numbers to elect representatives to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (Kargil), marking the first electoral exercise in the area since August 2019.
The district administration reported a polling percentage of 77.6% in Kargil on Wednesday. Voters lined up at polling stations before the 8 am start, with 65% of the polling completed by 1 pm. The highest turnout, at 90%, was recorded at Saliskut among the 26 constituencies electing representatives to the LAHDC.
At polling booths, many voters expressed dissatisfaction with the Union Territory’s governance, emphasizing the importance of empowering councils to preserve their identity and land.
The National Conference-Congress alliance aims to capitalize on this discontent with the current administration and the Centre. NC vice-president Omar Abdullah referred to this election as a “referendum” against the separation of Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir.
Residents, like Najaf Ali from Kaksar village, are still adjusting to the shift in Ladakh’s administrative structure as a UT. Ali highlighted the lack of stake in decision-making under the current system.
In the same village, women waiting in queues expressed ongoing challenges post the region’s UT status change, with issues like water scarcity and lack of basic amenities persisting.
Despite promises of development, some locals feel that their lives remain unchanged. However, they still value their democratic right to vote.
Youth at polling stations criticized the Centre for limited job opportunities in Ladakh, highlighting the impact of constitutional changes post-August 5, 2019.
While different perspectives on development and governance exist among voters, the key objective for most parties is to keep the BJP out of the 30-member council in Kargil.
Kargil, situated between Srinagar and Leh, faces the influence of both regions in its politics, with a population of over 1.40 lakh predominantly Shia residents.
As the elections concluded on Wednesday, Kargil now awaits the results on October 8 to determine its representatives and future as a Union Territory.
