SHILLONG: The political atmosphere in Meghalaya has intensified following the release of candidate lists by the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) and the Meghalaya Pradesh Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
The high-stakes elections are scheduled to be held on April 10, 2026, and are expected to witness a keen contest across the Garo Hills region.
The MPCC has taken an early lead by releasing a comprehensive list of 24 candidates, aiming to strengthen its presence across key constituencies.
Among the prominent candidates are — Southern and Reserve Belts: Kartick R. Marak (Siju), Budhar M. Marak (Wagesik), Arjun S. Marak (Silkigre), Karak R. Sangma (Rongrikkimgre), Sengrik M. Marak (Gasuapara), Gredit T. Sangma (Barenggapara), and Luckshwell M. Sangma (Amongpara).
Urban and Rural Seats: Prewil Ch. Marak (Tura), Sadhiarani M. Sangma (Dengnakpara), Binvinchand D. Sangma (Boldamgre), and Premish S. Sangma (Zigzak).
Other Key Contestants: Ajitav Koch (Betasing), Ripseng K. Marak (Rochonpara), Nonickha D. Momin (Asanang), Tingku N. Marak (Balachanda), Ruth Tamera A. Sangma (Batabari), among others.
Party leaders said the list reflects a balance between experienced leaders and new faces, with a focus on grassroots outreach.
The Trinamool Congress, after a meeting of its Pradesh Election Committee, released its first list of 14 candidates, selected after assessing winnability and local feedback.
Notable candidates include Richard Mrong Marak (Babelapara), Dimseng K. Marak (Tura), and Hilthudhera Ch. Marak (Dengnakpara), Changseng R. Marak (Silkigre), Witerson M. Sangma (Rongrikimgre), Batchot Ch. Marak (Boldamgre), and Hemendra Hajong (Betasing), Rahendro A. Sangma (Asanang), Lithson B. Marak (Raksamgre), Badith T. Sangma (Jengjal), Asish R. Marak (Bolsong), Perdinand D. Shira (Damas), Baseng N. Marak (Samandagre), and Alphonsush R. Marak (Williamnagar).
TMC leaders said more names are likely to be announced in subsequent phases.
With both major parties unveiling their candidates, the GHADC election campaign has officially gathered momentum. Political observers expect intense campaigning in the coming weeks as parties mobilise supporters and highlight development and governance issues.
The outcome of the April 10 polls is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the political dynamics of the Garo Hills region.
