Meghalaya's GHADC Election Rule Requiring Tribal Status for Candidates Sparks Debate

A February 17 notification by the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) mandates Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for all candidates in the April 10, 2026 elections, barring non-tribal individuals from contesting. Garo tribal organizations support the rule, citing tribal representation, while non-tribal leaders challenge its constitutionality, arguing the GHADC lacks authority to impose such restrictions and that non-tribals have historically contested these elections. The debate centers on interpretations of the Sixth Schedule and constitutional rights.