Denial of permission for public meeting irks party candidate
SHILLONG, Feb 5: The tussle between the Voice of the People Party (VPP) and the Rangbah Shnongs of Mawlai has worsened with the former on Wednesday filing a complaint against the Rangbah Shnong of Mawlai Mawdatbaki for denial of a no-objection certificate for a public meeting at Mawlai Nongmali.
“I, the undersigned, am desirous of filing a complaint against the Rangbah Shnong of Mawdatbaki for denying permission to hold Public Meeting on the 6th of February 2025 at Nongmali vide letter dated 5th February 2025,” VPP candidate of Jaiaw constituency, Denzil R Chen stated in a letter addressed to the District Election Officer, East Khasi Hills.
Chen said it was a direct violation of the order No.DCA.56/2024/Pt./3 dated 30.01.2025 issued by the Deputy Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, District Council Affairs department.
“I, therefore, request you to take necessary action by this evening failing which I will be compelled to take immediate necessary action and address the same before the appropriate competent authority for redressal of my grievances,” Chen added.
Earlier, the Mawlai Mawdatbaki Dorbar Shnong had informed Chen that it will not be able to give permission for the holding of the public meeting at Mawlai Nongmali on February 6.
In a letter addressed to the VPP candidate on February 4, Mawlai Mawdatbaki Rangbah Shnong BR Kharmujai stated that the Executive Committee met on January 28 and decided to allow only the holding of a common platform.
According to him, all candidates will get an equal opportunity in the common platform, ensuring the Dorbar Shnong remains unbiased.
Kharmujai said the decision to hold the common platform was to make sure that the general public do not suffer like they did in the past when they had allowed public meetings.
“We hope that you will respect and work together with the Dorbar Shnong in the interest of everyone,” he added.