Clash Over Ladakh's Future: Gandhi vs. Modi

Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Indian Congress, alleged on Thursday that the democratic rights of the people of Ladakh are being stifled and their lands are being handed over to billionaires close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gandhi made these claims in a video posted on social media platform X, coinciding with Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the region.

The video highlighted Gandhi's interactions with Ladakhi youths, who expressed concern over their homeland turning into a 'police state'. He emphasized that while Ladakhis desire development, it must be advantageous to local communities. Gandhi called on the home minister to recognize this aspiration during his Ladakh visit.

Simultaneously, the Congress pressed the government to address demands for Ladakh's statehood and constitutional safeguards. Criticizing Shah's trip, Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh labeled it as a mere vacation following his role in electoral affairs. Meanwhile, Shah's itinerary includes attending an exposition of Lord Buddha relics and inaugurating a dairy plant in Kargil.

(With inputs from agencies.)