SHILLONG: The entry of Ardent Basaiawmoit into politics has changed face of regionalism in the state, which has been in doldrums in the past few years.
Basaiawmoit, the firebrand leader of a pressure group, has given a new lease of life to HSPDP and the performance of the party in the just-concluded district council election proves that only.
Though Basaiawmoit, the former president of FKJGP, had made it to the State Assembly on a UDP ticket in 2008 from Nongkrem, ideological differences compelled him to join HSPDP. He had objected to giving ticket by UDP to a non- indigenous person in Garo Hills last year for the Assembly elections.
Later, Basaiawmoit contested on HSPDP ticket and retained Nongkrem seat and now he also won the seat for KHADC.
HSPDP has bagged as many as seven seats, the highest among the regional parties thanks to the efforts of this young leader.
Buoyed with the success of HSPDP, Basaiawmoit, who is the Vice President of the party, addressed a large public gathering at Nongkrem on Thursday.
He told the gathering that HSPDP is a clean party and now it has emerged as the regional party which is in the forefront. Basaiawmoit also said that the victory of HSPDP is the victory of the people.
The HSPDP leader said that he was sent by the people of Nongkrem to KHADC to strengthen, streamline and revamp the functioning of the Council.
He also accused Congress for using money power to win 10 seats in KHADC. “The Congress got 10 seats with the use of money power and by threatening the people. Had the Congress fought the elections sticking to rules, the Congress would not have won even four seats”.
The HSPDP predicted that though the Congress is just three seats ahead of HSPDP, the party will come ahead of the Congress in the next elections.
People also waved party flags and carried the cut outs of party symbol Lion in vehicles during a procession at Nongkrem.