Marak urge Assam CM’s intervention for BJP to take over GHADC admin

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 19, 2025

BJP Tura MDC Bernard N Marak has written to the Assam Chief Minister and Chairman of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), Himanta Biswa Sarma, appealing for the BJP to take over the administration of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).

The appeal comes amid allegations of systemic failure by the Meghalaya Government to uphold the constitutional mandate of GHADC and implement the Garo Accord, signed in 2014. 

The Accord aimed to restore autonomy and functionality to the ADCs in Meghalaya.

In a letter to Sarma, Marak said that the GHADC has been facing financial collapse, with employees left unpaid for 43 months, and has been stripped of its core responsibilities. 

The Council’s ability to serve its people has been undermined due to the State Government’s persistent delay in transferring departments and withholding revenue shares.

“…as Chairman of NEDA, your leadership has been instrumental in ensuring regional  stability and development. I now appeal to you to consider entrusting the administration of GHADC to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose commitment to constitutional governance and grassroots empowerment has been consistently demonstrated across the region,” Marak stated.

“The people of Garo Hills have placed their trust in BJP by voting for it for Good Governance, and it is only fitting that this trust be honoured through responsible leadership and meaningful reform. I urge you to initiate discussions within NEDA and direct the necessary steps to facilitate this transition,” he added.

Marak believes that under BJP leadership, GHADC can: “streamline revenue collection and ensure timely disbursement of royalties and grants, clear salary backlogs and stabilize the financial health of the Council and empower Nokmas and local institutions to uphold customary rights and community governance.