Amidst alliance crisis, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra endorses Ladakh’s statehood demand

With the political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh fraught with tension due to the alliance crisis on six seats, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has thrown her weight behind the longstanding demand for full statehood for Ladakh. Her vocal support comes amidst heightened agitation and mounting discontent over political representation in the region.

In a strongly worded message posted in Hindi on her social media platform, Gandhi criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for its failure to honor its commitment to grant full statehood to Ladakh. She highlighted the growing disillusionment among Ladakhi residents, citing unmet promises and the escalating challenges posed by increasing Chinese occupation.

“The BJP had promised the people of Ladakh to give full statehood but did not fulfil it. On the one hand, there is increasing Chinese occupation and on the other hand, there is the silence, broken promises, and betrayal of the BJP government — the trust of the people of Ladakh is breaking,” Gandhi lamented, echoing the sentiments resonating throughout the region.

Accompanying her statement was a video showcasing the determination of Ladakhi individuals engaged in an eight-day fast to amplify their demand for full statehood.
“Today, the people of Ladakh are demanding full statehood and security under the 6th Schedule, which is the duty of the government to fulfil,” Gandhi emphasized, urging authorities to heed the legitimate aspirations of Ladakhi residents and address their grievances promptly.

Gandhi also highlighted the unwavering resolve of Ladakh’s educationist and environmental activist, Sonam Wangchuk, and others who have undertaken the fasting protest, underscoring the urgency and significance of their cause.

Against the backdrop of the deepening alliance crisis in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Gandhi’s endorsement of Ladakh’s statehood demand adds a significant dimension to the evolving political landscape. As tensions simmer and discontent mounts, all eyes are on the government’s response and its willingness to engage constructively with the aspirations of the people of Ladakh.