The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Meghalaya unit president, Rikman G. Momin, on Monday released the party’s manifesto for the upcoming elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), scheduled for February 21, with vote counting set for February 24. The BJP has fielded 14 candidates for the KHADC, including a woman candidate from Mawlai, and five candidates for the JHADC.
Unveiling the ten-point manifesto, Momin stated, “BJP will ensure that mining is regulated and implemented within six months as per the Supreme Court order to ensure financial stability for all district councils.” The manifesto also assured monthly honorariums for traditional heads, including Syiem, Doloi, Sardar, and Rangbah Shnong, along with financial assistance of ₹2,000 per month for registered local domestic workers, taxi drivers, widows, single mothers, and laborers through the Dorbar Shnongs.
Highlighting the party’s focus on tourism and traditional practices, Momin said, “District Council to create a cell or department for the purpose of investment for trade and business for the educated unemployed youth of rural areas in collaboration with Syiem, Doloi, Sardar, and Rangbah Shnong.” He pledged to promote local crafts and culture with support from the AYUSH Ministry and promised a central monitoring body for central schemes, including a grievance redressal mechanism.
The manifesto proposed “Expedite the matter pending at the Ministry with regard to increase in the number of members including nominated members within 6 months. With the amendment and increase of the number of members to 40 out of which 5 will be nominated, the party will propose that one of the nominated members will be the Syiem (KHADC) & Doloi (JHADC).”
On waste management, Momin stated, “Scientific disposal of solid waste within syiemship or dolloiship jurisdictions will be administered by local bodies with complete assistance from the council.” He also assured the introduction of a transparent recruitment policy for all district council positions.
When asked about the party’s electoral prospects, Momin remarked, “I cannot predict how many seats the party will win, but we have given potential candidates for the two ADC polls. If it is God’s wish, let all candidates win. We are confident that our candidates will win and work for the people.”
Reaffirming BJP’s continued support for the NPP-led MDA government, Momin concluded, “Since we are in alliance with the MDA government, the Chief Minister is working hard. We will continue to support this government as part of the coalition.”