Two BJP leaders, Union DefenceNirmala Sitharaman and Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu arescheduled to address a public rally in Ladakh parliamentary constituency onSaturday, the last day of campaign for fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabhaelections.
The leaders will campaignfor the incumbent Chief Executive Councillor of powerful Ladakh Autonomous HillDevelopment Council (LAHDC), Leh Jamyang Tsering Namgail who is the saffronparty’s candidate from Ladakh seat.
Polling in the cold desert region will be held on May 6.
“Defence Minister and Arunachal Chief Minister will address a’Progressive Ladakh’ rally to be held at Polo Ground Leh on May 4,” BJP statepresident Ravinder Raina told reporters in Leh, adding the his party wasconfident of retaining the seat.
“We are committed to grant Union Territory to Ladakh,” Rainasaid.
“Sharing borders with Pakistan and China, Ladakh isgeographically, topographically and strategically very important. There areapprehensions that these neighbouring countries may conspire against country(India) and when Ladakh become UT under direct control of union government,many things will be batter here.”
Raina said Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitutionwere hurdles in the way of Ladakh’s UT status.
“We faced several hurdles in grant divisional status toLadakh and (will) grant UT overcoming all obstacles.”