VPP to expand footprint in Garo Hills region
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 7: As part of its long-term political strategy, the VPP wants to move beyond the Khasi-Jaintia Hills and establish its presence in the Garo Hills, party president Ardent Basaiawmoit revealed on Friday. He stated that the VPP cannot spread throughout the entire state at one go since they have entered politics without relying much on financial influence. “However, we are slowly gaining ground in the Garo Hills and are pleased with the favourable reaction from the locals,” Basaiawmoit said. He discussed the VPP’s goal of becoming a political force spanning the length and breadth of Meghalaya. “We are not a party restricted to a specific area or neighbourhood. We will put in a lot of effort to make sure that the VPP is present throughout the entire state as a registered and acknowledged state regional party,” he continued. Asked if the VPP intends to form an alliance with prominent political leaders in Garo Hills, Basaiawmoit rejected the notion of depending on conventional political networks. “Many people thought the clean politics campaign would only succeed in Nongkrem when I launched it. However, it is now accepted throughout the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region. In a similar vein, residents of Garo Hills now desire change. They are starting to realise how crucial clean politics is to effective governance,” he remarked. Basaiawmoit promised that the VPP will be recognisable in all districts by 2028, despite the fact that the party might not yet have a fully developed its foundation in Garo Hills.
VPP won’t change state’s matrilineal traditions: Ardent
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 7: The VPP on Friday categorically denied allegations that the party plans to change Meghalaya’s matrilineal traditions, labelling them political propaganda. The explanation follows claims made by the ruling NPP that the VPP intends to “overthrow” the established social order of the state. VPP president Ardent Basaiawmoit denied the accusations, saying his party has never considered or suggested altering the matrilineal system. “These assertions are merely political propaganda. Within our party, decisions are taken collaboratively, and changing our society’s customs has never been discussed,” he stated. He also attacked other parties for deceiving the people rather than concentrating on pressing problems. “We teach the populace about political processes, government, and their rights when we visit them. We don’t rely on false information or divisive narratives as other parties do,” he continued. He added that the VPP actively supports female leadership rather than undercutting it, demonstrating their sincere and unwavering commitment to women’s emancipation. “We put women’s political engagement into practice, and not just talk about it. Our party nominated all of the female candidates in fray in the recent KHADC elections. This in itself demonstrates where we stand on women’s representation,” Basaiawmoit said. The party also attacked the NPP’s leadership, claiming that it was employing deceptive strategies to divert attention from its shortcomings.