Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Vincent H Pala has said that the notification issued by the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) making it mandatory for candidates contesting the council elections to produce a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate would remain valid unless it is legally challenged. “The order will continue to remain in force till any legal challenge is raised,” Pala said. The High Court of Meghalaya on Friday admitted a PIL against the participation of non-tribals in the GHADC elections. It may be noted that the notification issued by the GHADC on February 17 bars non-tribal individuals from contesting the April 10 elections to the council by making it mandatory for candidates to possess an ST certificate.
While several Garo tribal organizations have defended the council’s move, non-tribal leaders have criticized the notification, describing it as unconstitutional and an attempt to deprive them of their rights. Pala however exuded confidence that the Congress would perform well in the GHADC elections scheduled on April 10. He said the party has already announced candidates for all 29 constituencies and is optimistic of securing a good mandate due to, what he described as, strong public resentment against the NPP, which is currently heading the Executive Committee in the council. The state Congress chief admitted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) could emerge as a strong contender in Garo Hills, primarily owing to the influence of its leader Mukul Sangma in the region.