SHILLONG, Jan 27: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) faced a major setback in the Nongstoin constituency as 23 members and primary leaders resigned from the party on Monday. The resignations were attributed to dissatisfaction with the party’s top leadership and its style of functioning.
Speaking to reporters, VPP Nongstoin election committee secretary Kyntiewbor Kharsohphoh explained that the decision to resign stemmed from feelings of betrayal by VPP leader Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.
According to Kharsohphoh, there had been an assurance that the party ticket would be given to one of the other aspirants who had applied after the decision to withdraw the ticket from Marbiang Nongsiej. “But he (Basaiawmoit) did not keep his commitment and instead gave the party ticket to someone who had not even applied for it. Moreover, the individual is not even a primary member of the VPP,” Kharsohphoh said.
He criticised the party leadership for imposing decisions without consultation, calling it unacceptable. “The VPP supremo is acting autocratically, pushing his own agenda,” he added.
Another member who resigned expressed disappointment, stating that they had worked hard to secure the victory of the party’s MP candidate in the past. “I hesitate to say it, but the leadership style of the VPP supremo resembles that of a dictator,” the member remarked.
A female member also voiced her dissatisfaction, highlighting the contradiction between the party’s proclaimed clean image and its leadership. “The VPP leader often talks about the party’s clean image, but in reality, it is led by someone who is self-centered, illogical, and arrogant,” she said.
The 23 leaders and members clarified that they had no intention of joining or supporting any other candidate.
The controversy began when the VPP decided to revoke Marbiang Nongsiej’s ticket following the circulation of images and videos showing him congratulating Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on securing a prospective mining lease in 2021. The party alleged that Nongsiej was involved in the coal trade, raising concerns about the potential impact on its image.
Defending the decision, Basaiawmoit stated that the media reports prompted the party to reconsider Nongsiej’s candidature. The VPP later announced Juristman Iawphniaw as its candidate for Nongstoin.
