Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 29: As 69 more candidates today filed papers on last day for nominations for 26 constituencies of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, total number of candidates has gone up to 158.
“A total of 158 candidates including 131 in the Council constituencies falling under Leh Assembly segment and 27 in Nubra Assembly constituency have joined the electoral battle for Leh Council elections. On the last day of filing of nominations today, a total of 69 candidates including 62 in Leh alone filed their papers,” official sources told the Excelsior.
Scrutiny of nomination papers would take place tomorrow, while candidates can withdraw their nominations till October 2. Election for all 26 seats will be held on October 17 while the counting of votes will take place on October 23. The entire election process would be completed by or before October 28.
Out of a total of 158 candidates, Congress has fielded highest number of 26 followed by BJP 24, People’s Democratic Party and National Conference eight each and newly formed New Ladakh Movement (NLM) 16. Rest were Independent candidates, who have joined the fray from different constituencies of the Council.
Meanwhile, the District Election Officer (DEO) Leh has constituted seven Flying Squads in Leh district to check violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and carryout videography of all major election rallies.
According to sources, each Flying Squad will comprise five Government officials including an Executive Magistrate, a police officer, two policemen and a cameraman.
“The Flying Squads will start their job from tomorrow,” sources said, adding the Squad Incharge have been asked to keep strict vigil on all rallies and ensure that no party or the candidates indulged in violation of Model Code of Conduct.
In the last and fourth Council elections in 2010, Congress had won 22 seats and BJP 4. The PDP, NC and Independent candidates had drawn blank. This time also, the political observers believed that there will be direct fight between Congress and BJP though NC and PDP were also putting up weight behind their candidates to open their account and make their presence felt in the Leh district.
In May 2014, the BJP had created history by winning Ladakh Lok Sabha seat for the first time. However, in November-December Assembly elections in 2014, the Congress struck back by winning both Assembly seats in Leh district including Leh (Nawang Rigzin Jora, who has made the hat-trick) and Nobra (Deldan Namgayal).
Both the parties are hoping for majority in the Council. While BJP is confident that it would repeat the performance of Lok Sabha elections, the Congress is hoping to repeat the show of Assembly elections. Both the parties were expected to launch high pitched campaign for the elections once the nomination process and withdrawal of forms are completed.
Polling for all 26 seats will be held on October 17 while counting will be held for all seats at district headquarters of Leh on October 21.
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