By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 8: Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief, Vincent H Pala, has stated that the recent 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 will remain valid unless it is legally challenged.
“Until any legal challenge is raised, the order will continue to remain in force. If someone files a petition, then we will know what happens next,” Pala said.
It may be mentioned that the High Court of Meghalaya on Friday admitted a PIL against the participation of non-tribals in the GHADC elections. The PIL was filed by Niksrang Ch Marak through his counsel P.T. Sangma. The matter will be heard on Monday.
The controversy stems from a notification issued by the GHADC on February 17, which 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 organisations have defended the council’s move, non-tribal leaders have criticised the notification, describing it as unconstitutional and an attempt to deprive them of their rights.
Keeping the controversy aside, the Congress leader exuded confidence that the Congress will perform well in the GHADC elections scheduled on April 10.
Pala 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.
Pala admitted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) could emerge as a strong contender in Garo Hills, largely due to the influence of its leader Mukul Sangma in the region.
