VPP under fire for skipping common platform campaign

SHILLONG, Feb 6: The Voice of the People Party, which has been adamantly avoiding the call for campaign from a common platform, has come under fire from its rivals.
While all candidates in fray have fallen in line, VPP has been “stubbornly” refusing to oblige.
The Mawlai Town Dorbar (MTD) organised a common platform event on Thursday after receiving support from all six candidates, including VPP candidate Eddieson Kharumnuid.
The decision to hold this event was made after many residents, especially parents, voiced concerns that election campaign meetings could disrupt students preparing for their board examinations.
However, the VPP candidate skipped the common platform event while other candidates contesting from Mawlai, including independent candidate Seiborlang L Nonglait, BJP candidate Daneilla Nonglait, and Congress candidate Wangseng D Jyrwa participated in the discussion.
Participating in the common platform event, Mawlai MDC and independent candidate, Teibor Pathaw criticised VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit for accusing him of acting like an MLA for the constituency.
“I have no problem even behaving like an MP if it serves the interests of the people of my constituency,” Pathaw said at the common platform event organised by the Dorbar Shnong of Mawlai Motsyiar.
He expressed disappointment over Basaiawmoit’s accusation that he was like the “youngest son” of the NPP before leaving the party. According to Pathaw, it does not matter how Basaiawmoit perceives his past association with the NPP as long as the people of Mawlai benefit from his work.
Comparing himself to the VPP candidate from Mawlai, Pathaw claimed he was in a better position because his decisions were independent, whereas the VPP candidate had to seek approval from the party’s top leadership — even for minor requests from various Dorbar Shnongs under the MTD.
Meanwhile, Pathaw highlighted his achievements, stating that during his tenure as MDC, he successfully completed the long-awaited Motsyiar-Umjaiur road project. He also accused Basaiawmoit of indirectly threatening him, implying that he would not enjoy the same benefits if a new government came to power.
Pathaw pointed out that Basaiawmoit had previously praised him for generating employment for local youth, referencing the Ranger Security and Services Association (RS&SA), which he had founded.
“It took me 20 years to establish a system that provides jobs not only to the youth in Mawlai but also to young people from other parts of the state,” he said.
He further accused the VPP chief of being displeased with his achievements and suggested that Basaiawmoit was indirectly supporting outsiders in securing security contracts for major central institutions.
“The VPP chief should understand that contracts for security services at IIM, NIT, and other institutions are being awarded to companies from Delhi and other parts of the country,” Pathaw stated.
Despite Basaiawmoit’s remarks, Pathaw asserted that he remains motivated to work harder to create employment opportunities for local youth.