SHILLONG: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has launched a scathing attack on the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), dismissing their criticism regarding the postponement of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections as “baseless and irresponsible.”
Tynsong, who also holds the portfolio for District Council Affairs, questioned whether the Congress party was intentionally ignoring the ground realities and the collective aspirations of the people of Garo Hills.
The war of words follows a recent statement by the MPCC expressing dissatisfaction over the state government’s decision to defer the GHADC polls by six months.
The Congress had suggested a selective election process. The party proposed to conduct elections in 27 constituencies immediately.
It was also of the view to halt the process only in the two constituencies currently affected by unrest.
The Deputy CM was quick to rubish this proposal, labeling it a half-baked solution that undermines the democratic process.
“I simply do not understand what they are trying to achieve,” Tynsong remarked. “Are they suggesting we ignore these two constituencies and proceed as if they don’t matter? These are arguments born out of a total lack of responsibility.”
Defending the MDA government’s stance, Tynsong clarified that the decision to postpone the polls was made to respect the mandate of the entire Garo Hills population, rather than a fragmented few. He emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and complete election across all constituencies simultaneously.
While the Congress continues to accuse the government of high-handedness, Tynsong maintained that the administration is merely taking the necessary time to ensure that every citizen in Garo Hills can exercise their right to vote in a stable environment.
