Congress moves no-confidence motion against ally NC in Kargil LAHDC

In a dramatic turn of events that has exposed deep cracks within the ruling National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance in Kargil’s Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Congress councillors on Thursday moved a no-confidence motion against Chairman-cum-Chief Executive Councillor Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon after the NC leader allegedly refused to step down in favour of the Congress under a rotational power-sharing arrangement.

The motion was formally submitted to LAHDC Kargil CEO Rakesh Kumar, setting the stage for a fresh political showdown in the hill council.

Advertisement

Rakesh Kumar assured the Congress delegation that the matter would be processed strictly as per the provisions of the LAHDC Act and applicable rules.

The rotational power-sharing formula was announced by NC leader and now J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in October 2023 after the two parties joined hands after the NC bagged 12 seats and Congress 10 in the 30 member LAHDC. The allies together had 22 seats that were 6 more than the majority. BJP managed to win only 2 seats.

Besides the Chairman cum CEC, there are four Executive Councilors — two each from NC and Congress, who enjoy the status of Minister. Two Executive Councilors from Congress are reportedly not attending the office since 18 April when the two and half year term of the Council was completed and change of the chairman went into dispute.

Omar had agreed to the formula of the NC and Congress heading the LAHDC (Kargil) for two and half years each. The first term went to NC and Akhoon was elected Chairman-cum-CEC on 18 October 2023. He completed his term on 18 April 2026.

Discontent started brewing between the two parties when Akhoon refused to step down after completing his term in office.

NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah recently said there was no dispute on the issue and his party will pass on the chairmanship of LAHDC to Congress as per the 2023 understanding.

Till the past few days, senior Congress leader from Kargil Asgar Ali Karbalai maintained that discussions were on with the NC for change of leadership of LAHDC.