Budget – NC and BJP Unite in Kargil Council to Secure Annual Budget Approval
Budget – The political landscape in Kargil witnessed a significant shift after an unexpected understanding between the National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) enabled the smooth passage of the annual budget in the Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council (KAHDC). The move has altered the existing political dynamics and provided a major boost to Chief Executive Councillor Mohammad Jaffar Akhoon, who has been facing a no-confidence motion backed by Congress leaders and several members from within his own party.
Budget Receives Majority Support in Council Meeting
The budget was approved during a council session convened by the Deputy Commissioner, where 20 out of the 30 councillors present supported the financial proposal. The votes in favour came from all 12 National Conference councillors, six BJP representatives, one Congress councillor and one independent member. No councillor voted against the budget, while nine Congress councillors and one independent member remained absent from the proceedings, resulting in the proposal being passed without opposition.
Composition of the Kargil Council
The Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council consists of 30 members, including 26 elected representatives and four nominated councillors. At present, the National Conference holds 12 seats, Congress has 10 members, the BJP has six councillors, including four nominated representatives, while two seats are occupied by independent members. The latest developments have significantly influenced the balance of power within the council.
No-Confidence Motion Faces Fresh Political Challenge
The budget session carried additional political significance because a no-confidence motion against Mohammad Jaffar Akhoon had already been submitted in May. The proposal was backed by 16 councillors, including nine from Congress, five from the National Conference and two independent members. The disagreement emerged after Akhoon declined to vacate the Chief Executive Councillor’s position midway through the term, despite an earlier power-sharing arrangement between the National Conference and Congress following their joint success in the 2023 Hill Council elections.
Akhoon Claims Strong Support to Continue in Office
Following the successful budget approval, Akhoon stated that the BJP had offered unconditional support without placing any political conditions. According to him, the backing of 20 councillors demonstrates that he enjoys a clear majority within the council, reducing the relevance of the pending no-confidence motion. He maintained that there is no immediate threat to his leadership and expressed his intention to continue serving the full five-year term while focusing on development and public welfare across Kargil.
Focus on Stability and Coordination with the Centre
Akhoon also highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable administrative environment in Ladakh. He said effective cooperation with the Central Government has become increasingly important, particularly after the recent creation of five new districts and the dissolution of the Leh Hill Council. In his view, political stability is necessary to ensure uninterrupted governance and development initiatives in the region.
Previous Demand for Early Confidence Vote
Last month, Ladakh Member of Parliament Haji Haneefa Jan, accompanied by councillors from both the National Conference and Congress, met Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena to seek an early convening of the council meeting for consideration of the no-confidence motion. However, the latest budget vote has reshaped the political situation, with Akhoon emerging in a considerably stronger position following the unexpected support from the BJP.