Cong MP Vincent Pala says UCC will impact Meghalaya’s unique matrilineal society: IANS Interview

Shillong, April 16 (IANS) The introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country, as promised by the BJP in its election manifesto, will affect the matrilineal social structure in Meghalaya, claimed Congress MP Vincent Pala, who is seeking re-election from the Shillong Lok Sabha seat. Pala said Meghalaya’s culture is different from the rest of the country, where women have a dominant role in society. He expressed concerns that the implementation of UCC could pose challenges for the state in the future.

Pala also mentioned that the hill state of the northeast may witness strong resistance from its society against the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He, however, ruled out the possibility of any protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Meghalaya, stating that once a law is passed in Parliament and implemented, there is no point in opposing it. Pala also addressed the issue of whether the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system should be introduced in Meghalaya, stating that the state government is not authorized to introduce this system and will have to wait for the Centre’s decision.

The Congress MP criticized the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), accusing them of being corrupt and misusing government funds. Pala alleged that NPP has diverted public money from Meghalaya to fund their party in other northeastern states. He pointed out examples of corruption in the state, such as the collection of money at check gates for goods being brought in or taken out, which he labeled as pure corruption.

Vincent Pala has been winning the Shillong Lok Sabha seat since 2009 and is aiming for a fourth consecutive win in the upcoming election. Despite concerns of anti-incumbency, Pala remains confident in his track record of development work in the state. He highlighted the lack of infrastructural progress under the current dispensation and promised to focus on infrastructure and tourism development if re-elected.

Polling for two Lok Sabha seats in Meghalaya is scheduled for April 19, where Pala will face state Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh from the NPP in the Shillong constituency. The political landscape in Meghalaya is heating up as parties prepare for the upcoming election, with Pala advocating for the preservation of Meghalaya’s unique cultural identity amidst proposed changes.