Shillong (Meghalaya), May 06: Political parties refused to rush into Meghalaya’s reservation row Wednesday, opting to study the expert committee report in detail before taking a stand.
The decision came after Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma briefed leaders at a candid all-party meeting at Tara Ghar. “The chief minister just wanted to brief us on the report and the recommendations,” MPCC secretary Manuel Badwar said. “Reservation has worked well for 50 years. There is no requirement to shake the hornets’ nest.”
Badwar said Congress has not yet read the “comprehensive” report and will decide after internal talks. TMC MLA Miani D. Shira also reserved comment pending a party meeting.
The NPP, UDP, BJP, PDF, HSPDP, TMC and Congress attended. The VPP skipped the session.
Parties agreed the 1972 formula of 40% each for Khasi-Jaintia and Garo categories will stay for now. An All-Party Coordination Committee will review the report and consult districts. No changes will be notified until then.
Sangma told leaders there will be no unilateral move on reservation, participants said.
