Rahul Gandhi Blasts BJP-RSS, Demands Sixth Schedule Protection for Ladakh's Endangered Culture

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, during his deeply significant visit to the Union Territory of Ladakh, launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Gandhi unequivocally accused these organizations of systematically undermining and attacking the unique cultural identity of Ladakh, a region known for its distinct Buddhist heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

His remarks came amidst growing concerns among local communities about the preservation of their land, resources, and traditional way of life.

Addressing the press and local leaders in Leh, Gandhi passionately advocated for the immediate inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

This constitutional provision offers significant autonomy and protection to tribal populations in certain states, safeguarding their land, culture, and self-governance. Gandhi emphasized that the BJP, by withdrawing Article 370, had stripped Ladakh of its previous constitutional safeguards, leaving its indigenous population vulnerable.

He asserted that the people of Ladakh have a fundamental right to protect their unique heritage, language, and democratic processes, which the Sixth Schedule would effectively guarantee.

Beyond cultural concerns, Gandhi also drew attention to the critical issue of Chinese incursions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

He starkly contradicted the government's official narrative, stating that local villagers and shepherds in areas like Panggong Tso had repeatedly informed him that Chinese forces had occupied significant portions of Indian land. "The people of Ladakh are telling me that China has taken our land. Everyone here knows that China has transgressed, but the Prime Minister says not an inch of land has been taken.

This is a lie," Gandhi declared, adding another layer of geopolitical tension to his visit.

During his extensive tour, which included a poignant bike rally to Panggong Tso, Rahul Gandhi engaged directly with local youth, community leaders, and elected representatives from both Leh and Kargil. These interactions reinforced his conviction that the people of Ladakh feel marginalized and unheard, particularly since the region's reorganization into a Union Territory without a legislative assembly.

He reiterated his commitment to championing their cause, highlighting the importance of democratic participation and local empowerment.

Gandhi’s visit underscores a broader political narrative where the Congress party aims to position itself as a protector of regional identities and indigenous rights, contrasting with what it perceives as the centralizing tendencies of the current government.

By demanding Sixth Schedule status, he not only sought to address immediate concerns in Ladakh but also to ignite a national debate on federalism, cultural preservation, and the rights of India's diverse communities. The future of Ladakh, its culture, and its people remains a crucial point of contention in India's political landscape, with voices like Rahul Gandhi's pushing for greater autonomy and recognition.