Kargil set for council polls on Oct 4, first since Article 370 repeal; BJP vs Congress-NC contest on cards

livemint.com:

Lok Sabha elections next year, is primarily being seen as a battle between the Centre-ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the alliance of Congress and National Conference (NC). The 30-member Kargil council comprises 26 seats for which elections are held, whereas, four other members of the local body are nominated. In the last polls held in August 2018, the BJP had managed to win only 1 seat.

However, its strength increased to three after two councillors of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) switched to the saffron camp following the abrogation of Article 370. Also, the four nominated members are considered to be pro-BJP. The PDP, led by former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, currently does not have a presence in the Ladakh region and has opted out of the electoral race.

NC, which is the largest party in Kargil council with 10 members, and Congress with 8 councillors, had firmed up their alliance months in advance but decided to pit candidates against each other in seats where the BJP is not a key contender. Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! While 17 candidates of the NC have filed their nominations, the Congress is contesting in 22 out of the 26 seats that will go polls.

The BJP is also contesting in 17 seats. Considering the small size of the electorate, candidates linked to smaller regional parties and independents also carry weight. In the last elections, five independent candidates had emerged as winners.