Leh: Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra (IAS: 1996: AGMUT), has defended the administration’s decision to hold the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections in December, calling the electoral exercise an important milestone in the Union Territory’s democratic journey.
Speaking to reporters on November 10, Kundra appealed to people across Ladakh, including political leaders, young voters, women, senior citizens and government employees, to participate in the elections and exercise their democratic rights.
His remarks came shortly after the State Election Commission announced December 4 as the polling date for elections to all eight LAHDCs. The announcement has drawn objections from several political, social and religious organisations, particularly over the timing of the polls during the region’s harsh winter months.
LAHDC Elections 2026: Key Dates and Details
The State Election Commission has issued the schedule for constituting the eight hill councils across Ladakh.
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Important details of the election schedule include:
- Polling date: December 4, 2026.
- Polling hours: 8 am to 5 pm.
- Last date for filing nominations: November 17.
- Scrutiny of nominations: November 18.
- Last date for withdrawal: November 20.
- Deadline for completion of the election process: December 8.
The elections will cover 100 constituencies across the eight councils. The expansion follows the creation of six new districts in Ladakh, taking the number of districts in the Union Territory from two to eight.
According to reports, around 1.87 lakh electors are expected to participate in the hill council elections.
Why Has the Administration Defended the Winter Poll Schedule?
Responding to objections over the December 4 polling date, Kundra said weather conditions should not prevent eligible voters from participating in the electoral process.
He pointed out that schools in Ladakh have continued to remain open until around December 15 in recent years. He argued that if children could attend school during this period, adults should also be able to reach polling stations.
The Chief Secretary also said Deputy Commissioners had been instructed to ensure adequate arrangements at polling stations, including the provision of heaters, to make voting more comfortable during the winter.
Kundra further explained that the election schedule was linked to the financial planning requirements of the newly elected councils.
According to him, the councils would have January, February and March to prepare their budgets for the next financial year, making it important for the electoral process to be completed within the stipulated timeline.
Kargil Shutdown and Opposition to Delimitation
The administration’s announcement came amid protests in parts of Ladakh against the timing of the elections and the delimitation exercise.
Kargil observed a complete shutdown on November 10 following a call by local groups opposing the winter election schedule. Markets and business establishments remained closed during the protest.
Several organisations have raised concerns that severe winter conditions and seasonal migration could affect voter participation. Questions have also been raised over the delimitation exercise undertaken after the creation of the six new districts.
Kundra acknowledged that it was difficult to satisfy every stakeholder but maintained that the delimitation exercise had received a largely positive response based on feedback from the districts.
He also said that peaceful protests and shutdowns were forms of democratic expression, while urging political and social leaders to participate in the elections.
Eight Hill Councils to Emerge Under the New District Structure
The upcoming elections will constitute eight LAHDCs following Ladakh’s administrative reorganisation.
The number of hill council constituencies has expanded from the earlier arrangement of 26 each in Leh and Kargil to 100 constituencies across the Union Territory.
The councils are important local self-governing institutions in Ladakh. Their elected representatives play a role in local administration and development under the provisions of the LAHDC framework.
The Ladakh Administration has said the delimitation exercise was carried out in accordance with prescribed rules, taking into account population and existing Panchayat Halqas and municipal wards.
Chief Secretary Appeals for Participation
Reiterating his appeal, Kundra urged people in both Leh and Kargil to take part in the electoral process and strengthen democratic institutions in the Union Territory.
He said the elections provided an opportunity for residents to demonstrate their commitment to democracy and ensure that their aspirations were represented through elected institutions.
The December 4 polls are part of a wider local electoral exercise in Ladakh. Elections to Panchayats and the Leh and Kargil Municipal Councils are also scheduled for November 21, 2026.
The election schedule, however, continues to face opposition from sections of civil society and political groups demanding that the polls be deferred until weather conditions improve and concerns over delimitation are addressed.
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