SHILLONG, OCT 3: Six-time MDC and former JHADC chief Moonlight Pariat joined the BJP on Saturday, becoming the latest catch for the party in Jaintia Hills after eight UDP MLAs crossed over.
Inducted by BJP state president Rikman G Momin, minister Sanbor Shullai and MLA AL Hek, the 64-year-old veteran said he was joining not for power, but to free the Autonomous District Councils from constitutional shackles.
“This is my 27th year in the District Council. Our hands are tied. Para 12A of the Sixth Schedule has tied the hands of all MDCs in Meghalaya,” Pariat said.
Para 12A, he explained, gives precedence to state laws over Council laws if both are similar – rendering the ADCs ineffective.
“They made the Sixth Schedule like a father buying a car for his son without petrol. How can he drive? He has to push it everywhere,” he said.
Pariat, who first became MDC from Jowai Central in 1994 and later from Jowai South in 2014 and 2025, and went on to become EM, Chairman and CEM, said despite preparing plans like the Iawmusiang Market DPR in 2004 – sanctioned in 2009 with Rs 6.33 crore – projects failed due to lack of funds and power.
He said the promised amendment to the Sixth Schedule has been stuck for 25 years.
“We discussed the Centre’s proposal here, we added our points, we went to North Block in Delhi. But files remain in Delhi because we had no voice there. Now I am inside the party in Delhi to fight for scrapping Para 12A,” he said.
He also flagged financial neglect.
“Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills in Assam get Rs 500 crore a year. We get Rs 200 crore, that too delayed. Under 15th Finance Commission, first installment of 2021 came in 2021, second installment of 2021 came only now in 2026. For almost two years after 2025 MDC polls, not a single scheme paisa was given. It is meaningless to be an MDC,” Pariat said.
On coal, he said the NGT ban since 2014 was discriminatory.
“The same Kupli river flows to Dima Hasao, Assam also mines coal there. Dima Hasao Students Union filed a case blaming Meghalaya for polluting NEEPCO project. Why ban only Meghalaya? Even Supreme Court in 2019 said there was an inescapable conclusion that no one had authority to ban. There is a chance to lift it,” he said, supporting the 8 new BJP MLAs who have taken up the issue with the Centre.
Explaining his switch, Pariat said: “My ideology and BJP’s ideology are similar – to serve humanity, not ourselves. Some ask why BJP? Because BJP can deliver, BJP can make wonders.”
“I appeal to all leaders to work together so that in 2028, BJP will rule Meghalaya,” he added.
By Our Reporter
