Guwahati: Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Vincent H. Pala stated that the recent Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) directive, which mandates an ST certificate for candidates, will remain in effect unless overturned by a court ruling.
He added that the order is effective for now, and any modifications would depend on the outcome if someone challenges it legally.
The Meghalaya High Court, on Friday, accepted a PIL questioning whether non-tribal individuals should be allowed to contest GHADC elections.
The petition was submitted by Niksrang Ch Marak, represented by P.T. Sangma, with a hearing scheduled for Monday.
The issue arises from a GHADC notification issued on February 17, which prevents non-tribal candidates from participating in the April 10 council elections unless they hold an ST certificate.
While many Garo tribal associations have backed the council’s decision, some non-tribal leaders argue that it violates constitutional rights and restricts participation.
Putting the legal debate aside, Pala sounded confident about Congress’s performance in the upcoming elections.
He said the party has put forward candidates for all 29 constituencies and expects strong support from voters dissatisfied with the NPP, which currently heads the council’s Executive Committee.
Pala also pointed out that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) might be a serious competitor in the Garo Hills, largely because of the regional presence of its leader, Mukul Sangma.