Kejriwal Sounds Alarm: BJP's 'Intoxication of Power' Threatens Ladakh's Future Amidst Growing Protests

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has issued a scathing critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the ruling party of being 'intoxicated by the addiction of power.' Kejriwal's strong remarks come amidst growing concerns and intensifying protests in Ladakh, where local communities are fighting to preserve their unique identity, land, and job security.

Addressing the press, Kejriwal voiced his profound worries about the unfolding situation in Ladakh, emphatically stating, 'The BJP is intoxicated by the addiction of power.

Today, the situation in Ladakh is extremely worrying.' His comments underscore a deepening political divide over the handling of the Union Territory's future.

The mountainous region of Ladakh, known for its distinct culture and breathtaking landscapes, has been a hotbed of activism. Local residents, including prominent figures like environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, have been leading a sustained agitation.

Wangchuk recently concluded a 21-day climate fast, drawing significant national and international attention to the region's demands. The core of their demands revolves around achieving statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant greater autonomy and protection for its indigenous population and their resources.

Kejriwal extended his unequivocal support to the people of Ladakh, highlighting their constitutional rights.

'They want their identity and culture to be protected. They want their land and jobs to be protected,' he said, emphasizing the legitimacy of their struggle. He condemned what he perceives as the BJP's disregard for these fundamental concerns, asserting that the government's approach threatens the very essence of Ladakh.

The AAP leader drew a stark parallel with the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, suggesting that the BJP's alleged 'arrogance' and 'intoxication of power' were contributing factors to such crises.

'They are not able to handle Manipur. They are not able to handle Ladakh. They are not able to handle the country,' Kejriwal declared, painting a picture of a government losing its grip on critical domestic issues.

Ladakh's status was changed from a region within Jammu and Kashmir to a separate Union Territory in August 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370.

While this move was initially met with some enthusiasm, the lack of sufficient constitutional safeguards has since sparked widespread apprehension among its residents. They fear losing control over their land, employment opportunities, and cultural heritage to external influences and developmental projects.

The protests in Ladakh are not merely political; they are a deeply rooted expression of a community striving to safeguard its future.

Kejriwal's intervention adds a significant political voice to this struggle, intensifying pressure on the central government to address the long-standing grievances and fears of the people of Ladakh, before the situation escalates further.