SHILLONG, Feb 13: The State BJP has dismissed claims that the party is anti-tribal or anti-Christian, while reiterating its commitment to revitalising Meghalaya’s Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), asserting that their revival is possible only under BJP leadership.
The BJP emphasised its dedication to preserving the traditional self-governance system through duly elected bodies. It described itself as a pro-people party determined to safeguard tribal rights.
BJP vice president and Tura MDC Bernard N Marak accused opposition parties, particularly the Congress, of stalling negotiations for over a decade and systematically weakening the ADCs during their tenure.
He alleged that Congress diluted tribal autonomy by introducing municipalities in the Hill districts, violating Article 243ZC of the Indian Constitution. Additionally, he claimed that the party transferred key departments, including Forests and Revenue, to the State government, stripping the ADCs of their authority and diminishing their influence.
Marak also highlighted the historic Garo Agreement of 2014, signed in Delhi in the presence of then-Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, as a pivotal step in BJP’s efforts to strengthen ADCs in Sixth Schedule areas. However, he criticised the state authorities for delaying its implementation and assured that the BJP would work to enforce it across all three district councils in Meghalaya.
Reaffirming the party’s vision, Marak stressed that the BJP is committed to restoring the autonomy of the ADCs, honouring the legacy of Meghalaya’s forefathers, and upholding the unique governance framework designed to empower the hill tribals.
