Ladakh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024

The Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, reserved for Scheduled Tribes, is not only Indias largest in terms of area but also one of its most geopolitically sensitive, bordering Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC). The region, encompassing the districts of Kargil and Leh, is renowned for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, serving as a major tourist destination and the economic cornerstone for the local communities. With a sparse population reflective of its vast, rugged terrain, Ladakhs political narrative has been marked by periods of instability, particularly following the Kargil War.

This constituency, comprising four Vidhan Sabha seats (Kargil, Leh, Nobra, and Zanskar), has seen diverse political representation since its first election. Historically dominated by the Congress party with notable leaders such as K.G. Bakula, Parvati Devi, and P. Namgyal, the constituency later witnessed independent candidates and the National Conference making significant inroads. The reservation of the seat for Scheduled Tribes in 2009 further underscored its unique demographic composition, predominantly tribal and Buddhist.

The electoral battles in Ladakh have been closely contested, with the BJPs Thupstan Chhewang and independent candidates like Hassan Khan and Sajjad Hussain playing pivotal roles in recent elections. Chhewangs narrow victory in 2014 by just 36 votes against independent candidate Gulam Raza highlighted the fiercely competitive nature of elections in Ladakh.

The 2019 elections saw BJPs Jamyang Sering securing the seat, continuing the trend of closely fought contests, with independent candidates Sajjad Hussain and Asgar Ali Karbalai trailing behind. The voter turnout and the number of polling stations set up across this expansive constituency reflect the logistical challenges and the electoral commissions efforts to facilitate voter participation in this remote region.