GHADC to discuss motion over non tribals’ participation in council elections

SHILLONG: Buckling under pressure from the Opposition MDCs, GHADC Chairman Boston Marak has finally allowed the discussion on a motion to be tabled in the Budget session of the Council starting on Tuesday against the participation of non-tribals in GHADC polls. Earlier, five MDCs – Independents Levastone T. Sangma, Rupert M. Sangma, Deviar M. Sangma, Kenadik S. Marak and lone NCP member Rightious N. Sangma – under the banner Garo Hills United Alliance (GHUA) had threatened to abstain from the Budget session if the motion tabled by them was not taken up in the session. The motion moved by Rupert was earlier disallowed by the Chairman without citing any reason. However, the GHADC Secretary sent a letter to Rupert on Sunday informing that after reviewing the matter, the Chairman has allowed the matter to be discussed in the Council. Sources said that since it was a matter related to the Constitution of India which had not restricted any citizen of India to cast his vote, the Chairman had not admitted the motion. However, later, the matter was reviewed and the Chairman arrived at the conclusion that there was no harm in discussing the matter by the House, the source informed.