National People's Party Releases First List for Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Polls

Shillong, February 16, 2026: The National People’s Party (NPP) has released its first list of 24 candidates for the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), marking the party’s early push ahead of the crucial council polls.

Office of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council. (File Photo)

The list, cleared by the party’s State Election Committee and notified by State President Prestone Tynsong, covers constituencies across West, South, North and East Garo Hills. However, candidates for five constituencies - Raksamgre, Naguapara, Boldamgre, Silkigre and Rongrikkimgre -are yet to be announced.

Among the prominent names is retired Meghalaya Civil Services officer Charmingstar N. Sangma, who has been fielded from the prestigious Tura constituency. He is set to face sitting BJP MDC Bernard N. Marak.

Four sitting MLAs have been named in the first list. Mahendraganj MLA Sanjay A. Sangma, brother-in-law of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, will contest from the Zikzak MDC constituency. Selsella MLA Arbinstone B. Marak has been nominated from Rochonpara, while Bajengdoba MLA Pongseng R. Sangma will contest from Bolsong.

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The party has also retained several sitting MDCs, including Sengchim N. Sangma from Gasuapara, Anseng A. Sangma from Asanang and Grahambell A. Sangma from Jengjal. Former MLA Nihim D. Shira has been named candidate from Samandagre in East Garo Hills.

Other candidates in the list include Calis G. Momin (Siju), Jewil S. Marak (Wagesik), Kapilson A. Sangma (Barengapara), Rakesh A. Sangma (Babelapara), Balsrang Arengh (Amongpara), Kredithson Ch. Marak (Dengnakpara), Linekar K. Sangma (Nogorpara), Sanjay Koch (Betasing), Andresh Ch. Marak (Balachanda), Maxwell M. Sangma (Batabari), Peterjop A. Sangma (Shyamnagar), Sunny Rogers G. Momin (Rongrong), Dolly K. Sangma (Damas), Mody M. Sangma (Kharkutta), Henen R. Sangma (Darugre) and Sengbath R. Marak (Williamnagar).

The GHADC, functioning under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, plays a key role in governance and administration in the Garo Hills region. With the announcement of the first list, political activity in the region is expected to intensify in the run-up to the elections.