Shillong, Jan 10: Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma, on Saturday said that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has invited applications from aspiring candidates for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) to be held this year.
Sangma said that before giving a party ticket, it is important for everybody to understand the “political dynamics” that unfold after every district council elections due to the absence of Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) in the autonomous district councils, unlike in the Assembly.
“The anti-defection law does not apply to the members of the autonomous district councils, therefore it has become very necessary for the political parties to look at people (candidates) who are connected with the core values in the true spirit of joining politics to serve the people and protect their interests,” the Leader of Opposition said.
He said that the TMC will have an exhaustive exercise to zero down on such people seeing that in the past many elected members became victims of poaching.
Sangma expressed concern that poaching has become more “frequent” and “aggressive” than ever before which is a concern for every citizens of the state.
He said that when he was in power in the past, his government had never tried to topple any Executive Committees in the autonomous district councils.
“…because we adhere to the core values of democracy,” he said.
The Leader of Opposition also asked how can one assume, the employees of the GHADC can function when they are not paid salaries for continuously more than 43 months.
Referring to Article 275 (1) of the Constitution, Sangma said that, it provides for grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of India to states in need, particularly for promoting the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes.
“This particular fund is earmarked in order to ensure the programmes implemented for the welfare of the tribals must be adequately provided including payment of salaries for augmenting the level of governance,” he said.
The Leader of Opposition stated that if one sees the approach of the state government there are reasons to believe that, they have the intention to see the district councils become weaker by the day.
On opposition to the participation of non-tribals in the GHADC election, Sangma stated that this issue needs discussion.
“If there has been any decision which is considered as something which requires, review, it is good to put our heads together and have a brainstorming session,” the Leader of Opposition added.
