The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Meghalaya’s autonomous district councils (ADCs), stating that their revival can only occur under the BJP’s leadership.
The party countered claims that it is anti-tribal or anti-Christian and instead positioned itself as a pro-people party focused on safeguarding tribal rights.
BJP state vice-president and Tura MDC Bernard N Marak accused opposition parties, particularly the Congress Party, of stalling negotiations for over a decade and systematically weakening the ADCs during their tenure. He alleged that the Congress diluted tribal autonomy by introducing municipalities in the hill districts, in violation of Article 243ZC of the Constitution. Additionally, he claimed that the party transferred key departments, including Forests and Revenue, to the state government, thereby stripping the ADCs of their authority and diminishing their influence.
Marak highlighted the historic Garo Agreement of 2014, which was signed in Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, as a pivotal step in the BJP’s efforts to strengthen the ADCs in Sixth Schedule areas. However, he criticised state authorities for delaying its implementation and assured that the BJP would ensure its enforcement across all three district councils in Meghalaya.
Reaffirming the party’s vision, Marak stressed that the BJP is committed to restoring the ADCs’ autonomy, honouring the legacy of Meghalaya’s forefathers and upholding the unique governance framework designed to empower the tribals.
