Congress leader has 'no trust' in LAHDC's head councillor

Srinagar: A group of councillors from Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in Kargil, led by Congress leader Asgar Ali Karbalai, have submitted a no-confidence motion against chief executive councillor (CEC) Mohammad Jaffar Akhoon of National Conference.

NC-Congress alliance in LAHDC in Kargil collectively won 22 of 26 seats in the 2023 elections, with NC securing 12 seats and Congress winning 10, while BJP and independent candidates won two seats each. As part of the coalition understanding reached at that time, both parties agreed to a rotational arrangement for the post of CEC, the head of the council's executive body. Akhoon's tenure, as per understanding, ended on April 18.

"NC-Congress alliance is intact and it will remain so in LAHDC (Kargil) elections in 2028 and parliamentary elections in 2029. However, we are forced to submit this no-confidence motion before the district commissioner as the current CEC refuses to resign despite repeated requests," said Karbalai.


He said the MoU between the two parties was signed before the council elections in which it was agreed that the two parties will share the CEC tenure equally. "Now that we want a smooth transfer of power, CEC is not accepting it. I hope he will do it in the coming days," said Karbalai. He claimed he has the support of 11 Congress and five NC councillors, enough to prove their majority in the council. The current CEC will then have to face a floor test. Lok Sabha MP from Ladakh, Mohammad Haneefa, who is supported by NC has also extended his support to the no-confidence motion.

Meanwhile, Akhoon claimed that he was not part of the MoU signed by the two parties and is focussed on the development of Kargil rather than getting involved in the politics.

"This region is in a flux with huge development taking place every day. LAHDC in Leh is not there right now. New districts were announced recently that will impact the council composition too. I don't want any fresh disturbance at this crucial juncture," Akhoon told ET. He said he enjoys majority and is ready to face "any test". "Mere signatures don't convey anything. I have dedicated my life for my people; they support me wholeheartedly."