SHILLONG, Feb 13: The National People’s Party on Thursday slammed the Voice of the People Party for misleading the people by advocating that Article 371 is better than the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Accusing the VPP of double standards, Cabinet Minister and NPP leader, Ampareen Lyngdoh wondered why the former is contesting the district council elections if it is against the Sixth Schedule.
Pointing out that the VPP has been referring to states like Mizoram and Nagaland to show the benefits of Article 371, she said, “If Article 371 is superior to the Sixth Schedule then why Mizoram did not demand for abolishing of the Sixth Schedule in those areas where it is applicable.”
Lyngdoh also questioned the absence of Article 371 in the VPP manifesto, despite the party raising the same in their election campaign.
She asked the party to stop confusing the people who have no understanding of the implications and legal binding of Article 371. “If you want to have a discussion on Article 371 then raise it in the Assembly. The Assembly is the right platform for elected representatives to debate on the issue,” she said.
“What we can expect from a party that have no understanding even among its MLAs. I feel that they first need to resolve their internal rumblings before going to the public to speak on issues,” the NPP leader said.
