Rift in Congress over Ladakh UT demand

Congress in Leh has embarrassed the party high-command by supporting BJP’s resolution, demanding Union territory status for Ladakh.

BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy had moved a resolution in the Rajya Sabha for centrally-administered Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh and separate states of Telangana and Gorkhaland, saying “it serves the cause of economic viability and administrative convenience”.

“There is an urgent requirement to identify aspirations and needs of Ladakh’s people to integrate them with the nation.... In order to establish bilateral trade and prevent illegitimate trading it is essential to have this region (Ladakh) directly administered by the central government,” Rudy said.

The resolution has, however, polarised Ladakh on communal lines with Muslims of Kargil district up in arms against the move.

Surprisingly, the 30-member Congress party-held Ladakh (Leh) Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has openly supported the BJP’s resolution and welcomed the division of the state.

“LAHDC has passed a resolution in the beginning, seeking UT status for Ladakh. As far as Congress in Ladakh is concerned, we are for the UT status. Our high command in Delhi knows it fully well that we are for UT status for the Ladakh region,” said Rigzin Spalbar, chief executive councilor of LAHDC-Leh.