SHILLONG, Feb 3: Amidst the ongoing debate over Article 371 versus the Sixth Schedule in Meghalaya’s political landscape, former police officer and Riatsamthiah headman, M Kharkrang, has asserted that the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution cannot be replaced by Article 371 in Meghalaya.
The controversy erupted with the Voice of the People Party (VPP) advocating for the implementation of Article 371 in the state, which is currently governed under the Sixth Schedule. However, several political parties, including the Congress and the United Democratic Party (UDP), have opposed the idea.
Speaking on the matter on Monday, Kharkrang stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not discussed the issue.
However, sharing his personal opinion, he maintained that replacing the Sixth Schedule with Article 371 would not be beneficial for Meghalaya.
“The Sixth Schedule empowers District Councils to frame rules and act as custodians of culture and indigenous people, whereas Article 371(A) states that no Central Government law will be applicable in that state,” Kharkrang explained.
He further argued that Article 371 does not grant states the power to make laws, unlike the provisions of the Sixth Schedule, which fully protect indigenous people, their culture, and traditional practices.
Albeit debate continues to gain momentum, the future of this constitutional discourse in Meghalaya remains uncertain.
Central BJP leaders to skip poll campaign
The BJP central leaders will give state’s ADC campaign a pass.
Informing this, State BJP spokesperson M Kharkrang said the party has not received any communication from the central leadership about campaigning in the MDC elections.
Stating that some of the BJP aspirants have already filed their nominations on Monday, Kharkrang claimed that the response from the public for the party was impressive.