Ladakh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP Fields Tashi Gyalson, Drops MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal

The BJP on Tuesday named Tashi Gyalson as its candidate from Ladakh Lok Sabha seat, dropping sitting MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal. Gyalson is the chairman-cum-chief executive councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council in Leh. Namgyal had hit the headlines in 2019 with his viral speech in Lok Sabha to defend the Narendra Modi government's decision to repeal Article 370 and make Ladakh a separate Union Territory.

The BJP's decision to drop Namgyal comes amid resentment towards the ruling party among a section of Buddhists in Leh. The local sources said Gyalson, who is also a lawyer, is in a better position to maintain the BJP's hold over the seat, which also includes Muslim-majority Kargil. Polling is scheduled for May 20 in the constituency.

Election in Ladakh is not going to be an easy task for the ruling BJP as the region is witnessing a massive protest led by Sonam Wangchuk in demand of statehood, development, job opportunities, and other basic requirements.

Ladakh will go to poll in the fifth leg of seven phase Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on May 20, 2024.

In its earlier lists, similarly, the BJP dropped 6 out of 7 sitting MPs in Delhi to tackle the anti-incumbency. The saffron front has set a target of 370 seats and 400 seats for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).