Tura, February 9: Allegations of corruption, political pressure, and attempts to influence party workers have surfaced in Garo Hills ahead of the forthcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, with BJP MDC from Tura Bernard N. Marak raising concerns over the alleged misuse of money and political influence in the region.
In a statement, Marak claimed that BJP workers in Garo Hills are being targeted and offered large sums of money to leave the party ahead of the elections. He alleged that economically vulnerable party workers are being pressured to switch allegiance amid increasing political competition.
Marak further alleged that funds generated through illegal activities, including unauthorized coal mining and transportation, incomplete contract works, and fraudulent billing practices, are being used to influence political outcomes in the region. He also accused certain contractors and political intermediaries of making financial promises and offering future benefits to party workers.
According to him, political developments over the past five years have weakened BJP’s position in Garo Hills, with alleged disparities in political support and benefits creating divisions within party ranks. He claimed that several workers have faced both political and personal pressures, forcing many to make difficult choices regarding party affiliation.
Marak also alleged misuse of development funds and irregularities in certain public projects, while claiming that some party workers, including himself, had faced personal targeting in previous years.
He further described the political relationship between alliance partners in Meghalaya as complicated, particularly in Garo Hills where electoral dynamics are expected to intensify ahead of the GHADC polls.
No official response from the Chief Minister’s office or the parties mentioned in the allegations was available at the time of filing this report.
