Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on March 20 defended the Meghalaya government’s decision to postpone the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections by six months, saying the extension-moving the council’s term from April 18 to October 18, 2026-was necessary after violence erupted over non-tribal participation in polls originally scheduled for April 10. He rejected objections from the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), arguing the delay preserves a smooth, inclusive process for the entire region rather than a fragmented contest.
Tynsong, who holds the District Council Affairs portfolio, criticised the Congress proposal to conduct elections in 27 constituencies while excluding two unrest-affected seats, Shyamnagar and Balachanda. He said a partial poll would be impractical, would ignore on-the-ground realities and would sideline sections of the electorate, thereby undermining equal representation and democratic principles.
The deputy chief minister described the six-month postponement as a measured step to restore calm and enable consultations with stakeholders on sensitive issues such as candidate eligibility and the verification of Scheduled Tribe certificates. He dismissed accusations of high-handedness and framed the extension as responsive to public sentiment while fulfilling constitutional obligations.
MPCC working president Deborah C. Marak had earlier called the extension “excessive,” questioning why the entire council’s term was extended rather than suspending only the two problematic constituencies and proceeding with polls in the rest. Marak suggested that a new Executive Committee could have been constituted to work out mechanisms to resolve the dispute without delaying elections across the Garo Hills.
On demands to release those detained during the unrest, Tynsong was firm that no immediate relief would be granted. “Illegal acts cannot be overlooked,” he told reporters, adding: “The law must function, and we cannot permit anyone to act as they wish.” He said investigations are ongoing, detainees may apply for bail in court, and charge sheets will follow due process.
Tynsong urged calm and cooperation with authorities across Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, stressing the government’s intent to balance law and order with an orderly, inclusive electoral process.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/03/21/no-fragmented-polls-in-gh-says-tynsong/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2026-03-21 03:07:00
