LAHDC-Kargil election results show discontent over Article 370 revocation: Omar

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the results from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill DevelopmentKargil elections have indicated a clear sentiment of dissatisfaction with the decision made on August 5 which led to the revocation of the semiautonomous status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and KashmirldquoThe results prove that Kargil has not liked the decision of August 5 as did Kashmir and Jammurdquo the former chief minister said addressing a press conference in Srinagar Despite initial jubilation the populace has become increasingly disillusioned with the unilateral decision by the Centre leading to protests and political repercussionsThe Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council LAHDCKargil elections witnessed a sweeping victory by the National Conference NCCongress alliance The alliance secured an impressive 22 out of the 26 seatsThe elections assumed particular significance as they were the first major electoral event in Kargil following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5 2019 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state into two federally administered Union TerritoriesOn Sunday former union home minister and senior congress leader P Chidambaram said that the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil the result is a resounding victory for INDIA and a crushing defeat for the BJPldquoThe results show that the people have totally repudiated the misguided agenda of the BJP the revocation of Art 370 and the creation of Union Territories out of a State If elections are held in the Kashmir valley the results will not be differentrdquo Chidambaram posted on XEarlier in a post on X Abdullah said that the BJP was dealt a resounding defeat In celebration of our strong alliance with the Congress party the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference is delighted to announce its victory in the LAHDC Kargil elections This result sends a message to all forces and parties that have undemocratically and unconstitutionally divided the state of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh without the consent of its peopleAlso read NCCongress alliance sweeps LAHDCKargil elections BJP wins 2This victory belongs to the people of Zanskar Kargil and Drass who have decisively endorsed the National ConferenceCongress alliance We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the elected councillors recognizing their dedication to serving the people We also extend our gratitude to the leadership of the Congress party for their unwavering supportThese election results should serve as a wakeup call for the Bharatiya Janata Party It is time to cease hiding behind the Raj Bhawan and unelected representatives and instead acknowledge the peoples rightful desire for a democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir Democracy demands the voices of the people be heard and respectedldquoWe also take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated party workers who toiled day and night persevering through challenging conditions to ensure that on the day of reckoning the JKNC flag would soar highJKNC remains committed to the principles of democracy justice and unity working tirelessly to uphold the rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh HalHiHalHaiReacting to the victory Congress leader Jairam Ramesh noted The national media may not have given it much attention but the trends clearly show Congress leading convincingly in the LAHDCKargil elections with the BJP facing a nearcomplete wipeout This victory is seen as a direct result of Rahul Gandhis recent visit to Ladakh as part of his Bharat Jodo Yatra last monthMehbooba Mufti the chief of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP congratulated the National Conference and Congress for their victory in Kargil She emphasized the significance of the secular parties success in the first elections held in Ladakh post2019The counting of votes in the LAHDC elections was conducted under stringent security measures and a substantial 6537 voter turnout was recorded in the Kargil district during the fifth LAHDC electionsThe newly elected council members are set to assume their positions before October 11 and they will be entrusted with the responsibility of addressing the developmental needs and aspirations of the regions residentsLast month the Ladakh administration rescheduled the elections for the fifth LAHDC in Kargil following a directive from the Supreme Court further underscoring the importance of these elections in the regions political landscape With inputs from agencies