Cong alleges Abuse of Power, Warns dignity of Council at Stake
Yash Khajuria
Leh, Aug 31: Politics in Ladakh has been set ablaze after Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Adv. Tashi Gyalson allegedly branded opposition councillors as “dogs,” provoking outrage from the Congress, which has accused him of arrogance, abuse of office, and dereliction of duty. The opposition has demanded an unconditional public apology, warning that the remark has not only insulted elected representatives but demeaned the very dignity of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC).
Leader of the Opposition Tsering Namgail launched a scathing attack, declaring that Gyalson had “finally removed his mask” and revealed his “true attitude.” He accused the CEC of posturing as a supporter of people’s struggles while being absent during hunger strikes and yatras. “He is behaving like a king; the chair has gone to his head,” Namgail thundered, ridiculing Gyalson’s claim that he could decide the LoP’s fate. “Who are you to decide? My colleagues chose me. The CEC has no authority over opposition unity.”
Rejecting suggestions that he aspired to be CEC, Namgail invoked his performance in the MP elections, stressing that without financial muscle he had polled over 10,000 votes against a resource-rich BJP. “If you call me useless, I can only laugh,” he said. He also lambasted Gyalson for resorting to “street-level language” unbecoming of his position. “Education is not just about reading and writing; it is about wisdom and etiquette. Where did you learn such abusive words? This is not leadership.”
Congress tore into Gyalson’s handling of pressing issues, from the HAIL land allotment and its cancellation, to the lapse of development funds, delays in setting up a medical college, and the lack of a coherent policy on land protection. It accused him of deliberately derailing the Sixth Schedule safeguards movement, asking what action he had taken with only three months left in office.
The opposition also questioned the deployment of CRPF, alleging that it was being misused to intimidate locals and tourists rather than ensure law and order. Phyang Councillor Tundup Nurbu mocked Gyalson’s jibe, saying: “Dogs are the most faithful animals, and yes, we are faithful to Ladakh. But where are the answers on lapseable budgets, the medical college, HAIL land, and land protection?”
Congress further charged the CEC with stoking division instead of addressing people’s concerns, recalling that councillors were barred from Republic Day under his watch. It warned him against mixing religion with politics, asserting that the true certificate of leadership was issued by the people in the MP elections.
The Congress reiterated that while it practices constructive criticism, it would not tolerate abuse. “The CEC must publicly apologise for calling opposition councillors ‘dogs’ and uphold the dignity of the council. His words are not an insult to us alone but to Ladakh’s democratic ethos,” Namgail stated.
