BJP and Congress Candidates Clash Over Slogans at Leh Polling Booth

A dispute erupted during the polling in Ladakh on Monday, as allegations surfaced regarding slogans against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) being inscribed on the walls of a polling booth. The contention led to a verbal confrontation between BJP candidate Tashi Gyalson and Congress candidate Tsering Namgyal, with outgoing Member of Parliament (MP) Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also in attendance. The incident unfolded at the Housing Colony Polling Station in Leh, where, according to BJP representatives, the objectionable slogans prompted a clash.

Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, the MP from Ladakh, reported that the slogans targeting the BJP breached the model code of conduct by appearing on the walls of two polling booths. In response to the BJP's complaint, election authorities intervened by painting over and concealing the contentious slogans. The situation led to a temporary halt in polling at one booth, although operations resumed shortly thereafter.

DC Leh Santosh Sukhdev confirmed that an FIR was filed following the incident, which was reported at 1 pm. Despite the presence of political party agents and others, the graffiti went unnoticed initially. Sukhdev assured that actions would be taken against those responsible for defacing public property.

The controversial slogans branded the BJP as a "Hindu party" and a "corruption party," with another urging to "save Ladakh." The emergence of these slogans sparked further debate when Congress candidate Tsering Namgyal arrived at the scene, leading to an intense exchange with his BJP counterpart. A video capturing this exchange later circulated online, adding to the controversy.

Tsering Namgyal of the Congress clarified that his party was not behind the slogans. Amidst this political turmoil, voter turnout in Ladakh was noteworthy. According to updates from the Election Commission, Ladakh witnessed a 68.47 percent voter turnout. Specifically, Leh saw a 62.50 percent turnout, while Kargil recorded a higher participation rate at 74 percent.

The electoral battle for the Ladakh Lok Sabha seat saw three contenders vying for victory. Representing Leh were Tashi Gyalson from the BJP and Tsering Namgyal from Congress, while Mohammad Haneefa Jan stood as an Independent candidate from Kargil, highlighting the region's diverse political landscape.