The budget session assumed significance because 16 councillors, including nine from Congress, five from NC and two independents, had moved a no-confidence motion against Akhoon in May. The motion followed his refusal to resign after two-and-a-half years in office under a power-sharing agreement between the NC and the Congress after their alliance won the 2023 Hill Council elections.
Akhoon said the BJP had extended unconditional support to him and supported the budget. He argued that securing the support of 20 councilors had effectively rendered the no-confidence motion irrelevant. He told this newspaper, “There is no threat to my country. I will continue my five-year tenure to work for the welfare of the people of Kargil.”
Akhoon also stressed the need for a constructive relationship with the Centre, saying political stability was vital after the creation of five new districts and the dissolution of the Leh Hill Council. Last month, Ladakh MP Haji Haneefa Jan, along with NC and Congress councillors, met Lt Governor VK Saxena seeking an early council meeting for the no-confidence vote.
Nine Congress advisers abstain from voting
At the council meeting, called by the deputy commissioner, 20 of the 30 councilors voted in favor of the budget. Those who supported him included all 12 NC councillors, six BJP councillors, one Congress councilor and one independent member. None voted against the budget, while nine congressmen and one independent abstained.
