Ladakh Lok Sabha elections 2024: Key candidates in Phase 5

The BJP nominated Tashi Gyalson, chief executive councilor-cum-chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (Leh) from Ladakh seat.

Ladakh goes to polls in the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections along with 48 other constituencies. It is currently represented by Jamyang Tsering Namgyal of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, largest in terms of area, is set for a three-corner contest on May 20.

The BJP dropped incumbent MP Namgyal and nominated Tashi Gyalson, chief executive councilor-cum-chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (Leh). Tsering Namgyal, the leader of opposition in LAHDC, is the Congress candidate for the May 20 polls. The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has fielded Mohammad Haneefa Jan who is the Kargil district president of the National Conference. The NC is also part of the Congress-led INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc.

The grand old party has had a series of victories in Ladakh since the constituency was established in 1967. It has emerged victorious 6 times in the Union Territory, the last being in 1996. The saffron party first tasted success in Ladakh in 2014 and retained power in 2019.

The contest for the Ladakh seat will be a closely followed considering the election is taking place at a time when the people of the region are agitating for constitutional safeguards, especially the Sixth Schedule, to protect the region's unique identity, land, jobs, and fragile environment. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is leading the protest, observed a 21-day fast to press for the demand for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.