Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president Vincent H Pala stated that the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council’s (GHADC) notification requiring candidates for the upcoming council elections to hold a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate will remain in effect unless legally challenged. Pala emphasized that the order stands until any legal opposition arises. Recently, the High Court of Meghalaya accepted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the involvement of non-tribals in the GHADC elections. The GHADC’s February 17 notification prohibits non-tribal individuals from contesting in the April 10 elections, mandating possession of an ST certificate. While several Garo tribal organizations support this decision, non-tribal leaders criticize it as unconstitutional and an infringement on their rights. Pala expressed confidence in the Congress party’s performance in the elections, noting that they have announced candidates for all 29 constituencies and anticipate a favorable outcome due to widespread public discontent with the current ruling party, the National People’s Party (NPP). He acknowledged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mukul Sangma, could be a significant rival in Garo Hills.
GHADC Order Barring Non-Tribals from Polls Valid Until Legally Challenged: Prestone Tynsong
