SHILLONG, Feb 4: The Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) on Saturday said if voted to power, it will not only clean the system from corruption but will also ensure ‘punishment’ for the guilty.
“When we say clean politics, we mean that you declare war against corruption. Vote us to power, we will clean the entire system. We can not only assure you about good governance but can also ensure those who have looted public money be brought to justice,” said VPP chief and Nongkrem candidate Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit after filing his nomination.
Targeting the NPP-led MDA coalition, especially the regional parties, he said these parties have no backbone.
The Nongkrem constituency is infamous for unleashing money power and distribution of freebies this time.
“We are the only alternative to bring in good governance in the state. You cannot expect good governance in the state when all political parties are using money power to get elected,” he added.
Basaiawmoit further said the VPP came into being to end corruption.
He continued, “We are humbled by the response of the people, who have been supporting us. They respond when we talk about the need to bring political change with the promise of clean politics”.
He said that the party is going all out this election and working hard to garner the support of the people.
“The people of Nongkrem know me well and my life is like an open book. We just need to sensitise voters about the use of money power so that people do not fall into the trap,” he said.
On the performance of his rival and the elected representative, Lambok Malngiang, he said the people will judge his performance and everything will be known on March 2.
Talking about the VPP candidates, he said, “We are fielding 18 and we hope all will be given a chance”.
“We expect and hope that people will give us a chance as they are aghast with the present situation. Financial crisis, unemployment, law and order problem have only aggravated over the past few years,” he added.
Clarification on
statement from 2018
Basaiawmoit also said that he is a leader who is more concerned about the interests of the indigenous people but, at the same time, is also determined in ensuring that the constitutional rights of others are not compromised.
His statement comes as a clarification to his 2018 reported statement of not requiring the votes of the non-tribals in his constituency, which had apparently cost him the seat.
“That was not true. It was distorted. I used to say that I am a leader who is always concerned about the interest of the indigenous people of the state and, at the same time, without depriving the constitutional rights of the other citizens living in the state,” he said.
“In politics, when you say one thing, they try to distort the facts. It is not that I said I don’t need the votes of the non-tribal. I only said I am a person who is more concerned for the interest of the indigenous people without depriving others,” the VPP chief added.
