SHILLONG : Bernard N Marak, BJP state vice president and Tura MDC, has urged C H Vijayashankar to place the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) under administrator’s rule during its ongoing six-month extension period.
Marak made the appeal after meeting the Governor on Monday, stating that the council should be brought under direct control of the Governor instead of being managed by an executive committee linked to political parties.
He also thanked the Governor for granting assent to the Bill mandating Scheduled Tribe certificates for candidates contesting GHADC elections and called for early polls following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.
According to Marak, there has been a sharp rise in population in the plain belt areas of Garo Hills, which he said poses a challenge to the indigenous tribal community. He, however, clarified that genuine residents would not face any issues during the verification process.
Speaking to media persons, Marak stressed the need to expand the SIR exercise across Garo Hills, particularly in constituencies where voter numbers have reportedly doubled from around 5,000 to 10,000–11,000 within five years.
“Bonafide citizens will not be disturbed, but migrants and cases of dual voting must be examined,” he said, adding that the Governor has taken cognisance of the matter.
With the current GHADC term set to end on April 18, Marak argued that allowing an executive committee to continue would benefit only certain political parties. Instead, he said, placing the council under the Governor’s control would ensure neutrality and faster decision-making.
He further stated that continuing with committee-based administration could delay processes, warning that timelines may stretch beyond six months if left in the hands of political bodies.
Marak said the Governor has assured a “very speedy step” regarding the electoral roll revision, and added that a formal proposal seeking Governor’s rule in GHADC would be submitted soon.
The GHADC is currently functioning under a six-month extension granted following recent unrest and protests over the issue of non-tribal participation in council elections.