SHILLONG, MAR 13: The state BJP on Friday sought the intervention of the Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar to tighten the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous District (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951 so only indigenous Scheduled Tribe members can contest or vote in the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
The delegation led by the BJP state president Rikman G Momin and Pynthorumkhrah legislator AL Hek also submitted a memorandum seeking urgent GHADC session and an amendment limiting franchise and candidature to Indigenous tribes.
“The rules must be crystal clear…devoid of any anomaly in favour of Meghalaya’s indigenous tribes,” the party said.
In a statement, BJP chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said, “One of the suggested amendments state that a person must possess a Scheduled Tribe certificate and must be from one of the indegenous tribes of Meghalaya to contest elections or even to vote.”
“The delegation also requested the Governor to call for an urgent session of the GHADC to ensure that the amendments are passed with immediate effect.”
Kharkrang informed that the Governor assured the party delegation that considering the gravity of the situation, he will immediately refer the suggestions to a panel of experts to ensure that they pass legal scrutiny.
“Once the experts have given their opinion and approval, the Governor will initiate necessary action in line with the provisions and procedures laid down by the Constitution of India,” he added.
By Our Reporter
