CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The recent surge in protests in Ladakh for the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to secure land, culture, and identity has implications for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Despite initial optimism after the establishment of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory (UT) on August 5, 2019, disillusionment quickly set in as locals feared exploitation and demographic shifts, with the protection previously enjoyed under Article 370 no longer existing.
What began as a demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule has evolved into a broader spectrum of aspirations, including full statehood, job reservations, and land protection.
The demands reflect the deep-seated concerns of the Ladakhis regarding their autonomy and well-being.
The rare unity exhibited by political parties in Leh and Kargil, as demonstrated by the alliance between the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB), presents a challenge for the BJP.
The BJP’s electoral promises, particularly regarding the implementation of the Sixth Schedule, now face scrutiny in the face of mounting discontent.
The BJP’s electoral success in Ladakh, notably securing the Ladakh seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, was partly attributed to promises of addressing Ladakh’s grievances, including the demand for a UT status.
Observers believe that the BJP’s inability to address Ladakh’s concerns may result in disillusionment among voters, leading to a loss of electoral support in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP controls the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Leh while the LAHDC-Kargil is with the coalition of the Congress and the NC.
The high-powered committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs under Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has held several rounds of meetings with the members of LAB and KDA to resolve the matter. The committee has appreciated the concerns of the people of Ladakh to preserve its unique identity but refused to commit to a statehood and Sixth Schedule.
Leading climate change activist Sonam Wangchuk has been at the forefront of agitation in Ladakh to press for the demand for statehood and a Sixth Schedule for the region. In March, he observed a 21-day hunger strike to highlight the threat to Ladakh’s environment and the need for statehood and a Sixth Schedule for the region. Actor Prakash Raj flew to Leh to show solidarity with him. After the hunger strike, Wangchuck called for the ‘Pashmina March’ on April 7 to raise awareness about the loss of land to industrial projects in the south and “Chinese encroachments’’ in the north in Ladakh. The march was called off after the UT administration imposed curbs in Leh and a ban on the assembly of people under Section 144. The authorities also shut down the internet.
The opposition Congress has been quick to cash in on the growing disenchantment against the BJP by supporting the agitation.
Congress leader Tsering Dorjay said the people are upset with the BJP. He said Wangchuk’s campaign has mobilised people to press for the demand for statehood and the Sixth Schedule.
“The BJP leaders have stayed away from his campaign and the people have taken note of that,’’ he said. “This raises questions about the BJP’s commitment to Ladakh”.