| Despite rumblings in party cadre, BJP tries to put up brave front | | Run up to LAHDC, Leh polls | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
LEH, Oct 3: Putting up a brave front amid resentment over the centre’s failure in ensuring constitutional protection for Ladakh’s resources and cultural identity viz a viz growing dissension among party cadre, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has exuded confidence that region’s people are in its favour and it would make a clean sweep in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh polls on October 22. The polls to constitute LAHDC, Leh are being held after People’s Movement for the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh, which includes leaders from BJP, Congress and AAP, had earlier called for a complete boycott of the 6th General LAHDC, Leh election, demanding inclusion of Ladakh in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution. Later on September 27 the Movement withdrew its call to boycott the upcoming elections to the LAHDC, Leh. Even after the People’s Movement, a powerful amalgam representing various politicians, religious and social organizations halted their agitation and agreed to participate in the poll process; the problems of the BJP seem to have not been subsided as the saffron party is grappling with growing dissension in rank and file of the Ladakh unit. In a major setback to the BJP in the ongoing elections to LAHDC-Leh, its entire unit of Nyoma resigned from the party yesterday in protest against denial of mandate to Ishey Spalzang president of the Nayoma unit who was nominated by the local unit for the candidature of Councilor from Nyoma. Besides, sitting Councilor from Upper Leh and party senior leader, Venerab Lobzang Nyantak who had resigned from the party on October 1 in protest against denial of ticket to him, joined the Aam Admi Party (AAP).
For the two second consecutive days, the disgruntled BJP leaders from Ladakh have shown their strong resentment against the selection of candidates against the wishes of the local party units. However, the party leadership is still confident of putting up a good show in the upcoming elections. “There is no doubt that the BJP will win the elections hands down. People are in favour of the BJP and the issue of the sixth schedule is over now because People’s Movement has got an assurance from union home minister Amit Shah to fulfill their demand,” said a top BJP leader from Ladakh, adding that they are confident home minister will fulfill all the promises made by him. |
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