April 17, 2026

NEW DELHI: Flagging a “lack of equal and inclusive representation of the Buddhist community” in ongoing talks between Ladakhi outfits and the Centre on constitutional safeguards, a new Buddhist body — Voice of Buddhist Community of Ladakh (VBL) — has sought inclusion in the dialogue to articulate the community’s concerns and aspirations.VBL was formally floated on January 1, 2026, with the backing of senior Buddhist leaders, prominent citizens, youth and women representing all regions of Ladakh. The outfit said its objective is to ensure broader and more effective representation of Buddhists in discussions with the MHA.A source said the move is aimed at ensuring that “any decision emerging from the dialogue between the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance on one hand and MHA on the other keeps in mind the voice of Buddhist community of Ladakh”.While welcoming the Centre’s initiative to engage Ladakhi leaders, VBL, in a letter to Amit Shah, expressed concern over the composition of high-powered committee, which currently comprises LAB and KDA leaders. Though LAB includes representation from Ladakh Buddhist Association, VBL said Buddhists remain under-represented in HPC, undermining community’s interests in draft proposal prepared by LAB and KDA.As per sources, the draft proposal seeks statehood and 6th Schedule status for Ladakh but is silent on the demand for special status under Article 371. VBL, which opposes the demand for statehood, fears the proposal may be skewed in favour of the Kargil region.VBL said it would submit a separate draft proposal to Centre after consultations. Its convenor Skarma Namtak recently called on Ladakh LG to present the group’s demands, stressing any dialogue on Ladakh’s future must adequately reflect Buddhist concerns.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
NEW DELHI: Flagging a “lack of equal and inclusive representation of the Buddhist community” in ongoing talks between Ladakhi outfits and the Centre on constitutional safeguards, a new Buddhist body — Voice of Buddhist Community of Ladakh (VBL) — has sought inclusion in the dialogue to articulate the community’s concerns and aspirations.VBL was formally floated on January 1, 2026, with the backing of senior Buddhist leaders, prominent citizens, youth and women representing all regions of Ladakh. The outfit said its objective is to ensure broader and more effective representation of Buddhists in discussions with the MHA.A source said the move is aimed at ensuring that “any decision emerging from the dialogue between the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance on one hand and MHA on the other keeps in mind the voice of Buddhist community of Ladakh”.While welcoming the Centre’s initiative to engage Ladakhi leaders, VBL, in a letter to Amit Shah, expressed concern over the composition of high-powered committee, which currently comprises LAB and KDA leaders. Though LAB includes representation from Ladakh Buddhist Association, VBL said Buddhists remain under-represented in HPC, undermining community’s interests in draft proposal prepared by LAB and KDA.As per sources, the draft proposal seeks statehood and 6th Schedule status for Ladakh but is silent on the demand for special status under Article 371. VBL, which opposes the demand for statehood, fears the proposal may be skewed in favour of the Kargil region.VBL said it would submit a separate draft proposal to Centre after consultations. Its convenor Skarma Namtak recently called on Ladakh LG to present the group’s demands, stressing any dialogue on Ladakh’s future must adequately reflect Buddhist concerns.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk


New Buddhist outfit stakes claim to being part of Ladakh talks

NEW DELHI: Flagging a “lack of equal and inclusive representation of the Buddhist community” in ongoing talks between Ladakhi outfits and the Centre on constitutional safeguards, a new Buddhist body — Voice of Buddhist Community of Ladakh (VBL) — has sought inclusion in the dialogue to articulate the community’s concerns and aspirations.VBL was formally floated on January 1, 2026, with the backing of senior Buddhist leaders, prominent citizens, youth and women representing all regions of Ladakh. The outfit said its objective is to ensure broader and more effective representation of Buddhists in discussions with the MHA.A source said the move is aimed at ensuring that “any decision emerging from the dialogue between the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance on one hand and MHA on the other keeps in mind the voice of Buddhist community of Ladakh”.While welcoming the Centre’s initiative to engage Ladakhi leaders, VBL, in a letter to Amit Shah, expressed concern over the composition of high-powered committee, which currently comprises LAB and KDA leaders. Though LAB includes representation from Ladakh Buddhist Association, VBL said Buddhists remain under-represented in HPC, undermining community’s interests in draft proposal prepared by LAB and KDA.As per sources, the draft proposal seeks statehood and 6th Schedule status for Ladakh but is silent on the demand for special status under Article 371. VBL, which opposes the demand for statehood, fears the proposal may be skewed in favour of the Kargil region.VBL said it would submit a separate draft proposal to Centre after consultations. Its convenor Skarma Namtak recently called on Ladakh LG to present the group’s demands, stressing any dialogue on Ladakh’s future must adequately reflect Buddhist concerns.



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At Tekhali Bridge, the spot synonymous with the 2007 land acquisition movement that led to 14 deaths, and an entry point to Nandigram — it’s hard to miss the sea of saffron. On many flags, the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” is written prominently; on others, the Ram Temple is featured.Amidst these saffron flags are some bright yellow ones, too, bearing the slogan “Joy Bangla”.Yet, there are no BJP or Trinamool Congress flags anywhere. Up ahead, whether it is Reyapara, Sonachura, or Mohammadpur, the picture is the same. Identity politics has arrived in Nandigram.“You can blindfold me, but I would still know Nandigram like the back of my hand,” says Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP nominee from the seat. “The new entrants might need to place their CVs here, not me. I am the same Suvendu standing here in 2026 that stood with the residents of Nandigram in 2004,” adds Adhikari, who defeated chief minister Mamata Banerjee here in 2021.When TOI caught up with him, Adhikari had just completed an election meeting at Binandapur in Nandigram-I, convened at the Manasa Mandir grounds, a little more than 5km from the Nandigram bus stand.The politics of religious identity is hard to miss. “Sanatanis will trounce Adharma,” says Bapi Das, a local. “Adhikari is an icon here,” he adds. “He made Nandigram what it is today. He gifted Nandigram to CM Banerjee in 2007, and he knows how to take it back, too.”Adhikari had reminded those attending the meeting that while he secures barely two votes from the Mohammadpur Madrasah booth (where Muslims are a majority), he gets around 400 from the Hindu-majority local high school booth, with the opposition securing another 250-odd votes. “When will you learn to unite? Think, practice thinking,” Adhikari told the crowd.Adhikari claims it is his “inclusivity” that provides him with confidence.“Hindus are not the only ones targeted by the Trinamool,” he says with conviction. “Several Muslims have also suffered. I am the first person on the spot when anyone is attacked by Trinamool goons. I can name people from the minority community whom I have helped. That is the reason they will vote for the CM but come to me for help. There is a josh among workers here. They know that even if they go to jail, their families are safe. Suvendu is there for them. They have asked me to concentrate on Bhowanipore and defeat Mamata Banerjee there again. They have assured me that they will take care of Nandigram on my behalf,” Adhikari asserts.He, however, is leaving nothing to chance. He has visited each of the 17 anchals in his constituency almost every evening despite travelling extensively across the state, projecting the image of being “the boy next door”.Adhikari’s opponent from the Trinamool Congress, 46-year-old Pabitra Kar, is following a similar pattern.Kar is no pushover. A political turncoat himself, he has deep links with multiple Hindu organisations such as Hindu Samhati and Sanatani Sena. The TMC nominee is a former Adhikari confidant, who knows Adhikari’s organisational setup all too well. In 2021, when CM Banerjee was contesting here, many credited Kar with securing a 3,500-plus lead for Adhikari in Boyal I and II, which clinched his narrow victory.Kar promises development, which, he insists, has eluded Nandigram, while pulling no punches against Adhikari. “All Nandigram has seen in the past is a set of empty assurances,” he says. “It’s time I brought real development. If Adhikari is the heartbeat of Nandigram, why does he resort to intimidation and threats in each election? My only job is to reach out to every person. This cycle of intimidation must stop.”Political observers say that in the closely fought poll battle in Nandigram, the delicate balance of win and loss lies in different demographic segments. This becomes important after SIR, which saw 12,500 Muslim voters struck off the rolls. Alleged open threats to migrant workers — by Adhikari himself — have only led to further discomfort among Muslims.Kar has been maintaining a relatively silent — but steady — grassroots campaign. Trinamool appears to be focusing on strengthening his local connections and organisational support.According to an interpretation by the research organisation Sabar Institute, although Muslims constitute only 25% of Nandigram’s total population, nearly 95.5% of the voters deleted from the supplementary list belong to the minority community.“My neighbour’s name is missing, and I am still unsure whether I will be allowed to vote,” says Rubina Bibi, a resident of Mohammadpur.Most voters said they want to go beyond the rhetoric of politics. “We have a railway station, but no rail line,” alleged Tarun Das, a Reyapara resident. “There is still no direct connectivity to Haldia because we have no bridge over the Haldi river. There is no meaningful employment even in Haldia.”Gokulnagar resident Nur Ali says that Nandigram should no longer be in the news only for its politics. “It is difficult for me to keep track of today’s youth. They are in the BJP today, and in TMC the next day. There is a cycle of threats, clout, and money power,” says Swadesh Jana, a trader from Tangua Bazar.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123Photostories8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods

At Tekhali Bridge, the spot synonymous with the 2007 land acquisition movement that led to 14 deaths, and an entry point to Nandigram — it’s hard to miss the sea of saffron. On many flags, the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” is written prominently; on others, the Ram Temple is featured.Amidst these saffron flags are some bright yellow ones, too, bearing the slogan “Joy Bangla”.Yet, there are no BJP or Trinamool Congress flags anywhere. Up ahead, whether it is Reyapara, Sonachura, or Mohammadpur, the picture is the same. Identity politics has arrived in Nandigram.“You can blindfold me, but I would still know Nandigram like the back of my hand,” says Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP nominee from the seat. “The new entrants might need to place their CVs here, not me. I am the same Suvendu standing here in 2026 that stood with the residents of Nandigram in 2004,” adds Adhikari, who defeated chief minister Mamata Banerjee here in 2021.When TOI caught up with him, Adhikari had just completed an election meeting at Binandapur in Nandigram-I, convened at the Manasa Mandir grounds, a little more than 5km from the Nandigram bus stand.The politics of religious identity is hard to miss. “Sanatanis will trounce Adharma,” says Bapi Das, a local. “Adhikari is an icon here,” he adds. “He made Nandigram what it is today. He gifted Nandigram to CM Banerjee in 2007, and he knows how to take it back, too.”Adhikari had reminded those attending the meeting that while he secures barely two votes from the Mohammadpur Madrasah booth (where Muslims are a majority), he gets around 400 from the Hindu-majority local high school booth, with the opposition securing another 250-odd votes. “When will you learn to unite? Think, practice thinking,” Adhikari told the crowd.Adhikari claims it is his “inclusivity” that provides him with confidence.“Hindus are not the only ones targeted by the Trinamool,” he says with conviction. “Several Muslims have also suffered. I am the first person on the spot when anyone is attacked by Trinamool goons. I can name people from the minority community whom I have helped. That is the reason they will vote for the CM but come to me for help. There is a josh among workers here. They know that even if they go to jail, their families are safe. Suvendu is there for them. They have asked me to concentrate on Bhowanipore and defeat Mamata Banerjee there again. They have assured me that they will take care of Nandigram on my behalf,” Adhikari asserts.He, however, is leaving nothing to chance. He has visited each of the 17 anchals in his constituency almost every evening despite travelling extensively across the state, projecting the image of being “the boy next door”.Adhikari’s opponent from the Trinamool Congress, 46-year-old Pabitra Kar, is following a similar pattern.Kar is no pushover. A political turncoat himself, he has deep links with multiple Hindu organisations such as Hindu Samhati and Sanatani Sena. The TMC nominee is a former Adhikari confidant, who knows Adhikari’s organisational setup all too well. In 2021, when CM Banerjee was contesting here, many credited Kar with securing a 3,500-plus lead for Adhikari in Boyal I and II, which clinched his narrow victory.Kar promises development, which, he insists, has eluded Nandigram, while pulling no punches against Adhikari. “All Nandigram has seen in the past is a set of empty assurances,” he says. “It’s time I brought real development. If Adhikari is the heartbeat of Nandigram, why does he resort to intimidation and threats in each election? My only job is to reach out to every person. This cycle of intimidation must stop.”Political observers say that in the closely fought poll battle in Nandigram, the delicate balance of win and loss lies in different demographic segments. This becomes important after SIR, which saw 12,500 Muslim voters struck off the rolls. Alleged open threats to migrant workers — by Adhikari himself — have only led to further discomfort among Muslims.Kar has been maintaining a relatively silent — but steady — grassroots campaign. Trinamool appears to be focusing on strengthening his local connections and organisational support.According to an interpretation by the research organisation Sabar Institute, although Muslims constitute only 25% of Nandigram’s total population, nearly 95.5% of the voters deleted from the supplementary list belong to the minority community.“My neighbour’s name is missing, and I am still unsure whether I will be allowed to vote,” says Rubina Bibi, a resident of Mohammadpur.Most voters said they want to go beyond the rhetoric of politics. “We have a railway station, but no rail line,” alleged Tarun Das, a Reyapara resident. “There is still no direct connectivity to Haldia because we have no bridge over the Haldi river. There is no meaningful employment even in Haldia.”Gokulnagar resident Nur Ali says that Nandigram should no longer be in the news only for its politics. “It is difficult for me to keep track of today’s youth. They are in the BJP today, and in TMC the next day. There is a cycle of threats, clout, and money power,” says Swadesh Jana, a trader from Tangua Bazar.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123Photostories8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods

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