Kargil, June 22, 2026 : The political tussle within the ruling alliance in Kargil has intensified, with Chairman-cum-Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council (KAHDC), Dr Mohammad Jaffar Akhoon, announcing plans to seek the disqualification of Ladakh MP Mohd Hanifa Jan, while the Congress escalates efforts to unseat him through a no-confidence motion.
The latest developments mark a significant escalation in the ongoing power struggle between factions of the National Conference (NC) and the Congress, which have been at odds over the leadership of the Kargil Hill Council following the completion of the rotational tenure agreement between the two parties.
Akhoon Plans Anti-Defection Move Against MP Hanifa Jan
Dr Akhoon, a senior National Conference leader, said he is consulting legal experts and will soon write to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking the disqualification of Ladakh MP Mohd Hanifa Jan under the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law.
According to Akhoon, Hanifa Jan contested and won the 2024 Lok Sabha election as an Independent candidate, and therefore cannot formally join any political party after being elected.
“Hanifa Jan won the Lok Sabha election as an Independent candidate. Under the Anti-Defection Law, an Independent MP cannot join a political party. However, he has openly been identifying himself as the National Conference’s district president. We have gathered evidence and are examining it legally before approaching the Speaker,” Akhoon said.
Hanifa Jan had resigned from the National Conference before contesting the parliamentary election as an Independent candidate with the backing of several political and social groups. Following his victory, he has remained politically aligned with the NC and has openly supported the no-confidence motion against Dr Akhoon.
Congress Seeks Immediate Floor Test
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Nassir Munshi, who is staking claim to the post of Chairman-cum-CEC under the rotational power-sharing arrangement, met Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena along with supporting councillors and urged him to convene a special session of the Council for a floor test.
Munshi submitted a memorandum signed by 16 councillors, claiming majority support in the 30-member House.
“We have demonstrated the support of 16 councillors and are confident that the no-confidence motion will be taken up soon. The Chairman has lost the majority required to continue in office,” Munshi said.
Dispute Over Rotational Power-Sharing Agreement
The crisis traces its roots to the coalition arrangement forged between the National Conference and Congress ahead of the Kargil Hill Council elections.
Under the agreement, the post of Chairman-cum-CEC was to be shared equally, with each party holding the position for two-and-a-half years. Dr Akhoon, representing the National Conference, assumed office after the Council was constituted on October 18, 2023.
His term under the rotational arrangement ended on April 18, 2026, but he declined to step down, arguing that major administrative developments in Ladakh—including the creation of five new districts, two of them carved out of Kargil—necessitated continuity in leadership.
No-Confidence Motion Sparks Political Showdown
Political tensions escalated on May 14, 2026, when 16 councillors submitted a no-confidence motion against Dr Akhoon. The signatories included nine Congress councillors, five National Conference councillors, and two Independents.
However, Akhoon has questioned the legitimacy of the motion, alleging that some signatures were forged and arguing that the governing law does not prescribe any specific timeframe for taking up a no-confidence motion.
He cited a previous instance where a similar motion against former Chairman Feroz Khan was never taken up before the completion of the latter’s tenure.
Numbers in the Council
The 30-member Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council currently comprises:
- National Conference: 12 councillors
- Congress: 10 councillors
- BJP: 6 councillors (2 elected and 4 nominated)
- Independents: 2 councillors
Of the total membership, 26 councillors are elected while 4 are nominated by the Union Territory administration.
High-Stakes Battle in Ladakh Politics
The ongoing confrontation has emerged at a crucial time for Ladakh, with discussions underway regarding greater administrative empowerment, the creation of district councils, and proposals for a UT-level elected body with legislative, executive, and financial powers.
As both camps intensify their political and legal battles, the future leadership of the Kargil Hill Council is likely to have a significant impact on the evolving political landscape of Ladakh.
