If the VPP is not power-hungry, then let them stop contesting elections. Running in elections means fighting for power
SHILLONG, Feb 7: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) on Friday questioned VPP president Ardent Basaiawmoit’s long political career, asking why he has remained in politics for so long if not for power. The party also challenged the VPP to refrain from contesting elections if they truly consider themselves above the pursuit of power.
“I am surprised to hear him claim that the HSPDP is power-hungry. If the VPP is not power-hungry, then let them stop contesting elections — because running in elections means fighting for power,” said HSPDP general secretary PL Rynthathiang.
He argued that if Basaiawmoit accuses the HSPDP of being power-hungry, the same applies to the VPP under his leadership. “He has been in politics for so many years — because he, too, is power-hungry.”
Rynthathiang also reminded Basaiawmoit of his past association with the HSPDP. “He was once the vice president and president of the HSPDP, praising the party’s principles across every corner of Khasi and Jaintia Hills. He also praised late HS Lyngdoh and his own paternal grandfather, Meshak Kharkongor, who was the chief organiser of the party.”
He further recalled, “Ardent and the late Dr Donkupar Roy played a key role in forming the RDA to gain power. Ardent himself led the RDA as president, but unfortunately, he was defeated in that election.”
Predicting the VPP’s political future, he added, “The VPP will never form a government on its own, even in 2028.”
The remarks come in response to Basaiawmoit’s statement on Thursday, where he accused regional parties like the UDP and HSPDP of being power-hungry.
According to him, these parties publicly criticize national parties such as Congress, BJP, and NPP before elections but later align with them to form coalition governments.
HSPDP for Article 371 in Khasi, Jaintia Hills only
The HSPDP, on the other hand, reiterated its support for implementing Article 371 but clarified that it should apply only to the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
“Regarding Article 371, the HSPDP supports its implementation only for the Khasi and Jaintia Hills—not for the entire state of Meghalaya,” the HSPDP general secretary said.
When asked why, he explained, “In 2022, both the Garo State Movement Committee and the HSPDP went to Delhi, demanding the creation of separate Khasi-Jaintia and Garo states at Jantar Mantar. This demand was made under the leadership of the late H.S. Lyngdoh of the HSPDP and the late Clifford Marak of the GNC.”
Speaking about the upcoming elections, he said, “Our candidates are actively campaigning in their respective constituencies, and we are hopeful of securing victories.”