By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 21: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) is set to launch a movement against the NPP-led MDA 2.0 Government by holding a public meeting at Motphran at 2 pm on Wednesday. The rally aims to highlight and mobilise support for the VPP’s eight-point charter of demands against the ruling dispensation.
The VPP has decided to omit the Umiam resort issue from its charter of demands following the state government’s decision on Monday to exclude Lumpongdeng Island from the proposed luxury resort and spa project.
In a video statement on Tuesday, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit expressed gratitude to supporters and urged widespread attendance.
“I would like to thank our beloved people for their unwavering support to the VPP. Through this message, I appeal to all residents including elders, youth, men and women to attend the public meeting where we will elaborate on the eight charters of demands,” Basaiawmoit said.
He highlighted issues like youth concerns, border residents’ welfare, and support for economically weaker sections on land and other key matters. Reiterating calls for unity, Basaiawmoit stressed collective action for the community’s future.
The rally will highlight grievances over Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) irregularities, District Selection Committees (DSC), teachers’ rights, and border issues.
Basaiawmoit accused the NPP-led administration of being “insensitive and dismissive” of Khasi-Jaintia interests. “The time has come to act decisively in the interest of the people,” he said.
NPP slams rally as bypoll ploy
Deputy Chief Minister and senior NPP leader Sniawbhalang Dhar dismissed the VPP rally as a campaign launch for the upcoming Shillong Parliamentary by-election, necessitated by the death of MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon.
Reacting to the proposed rally at Motphran on Wednesday, Dhar said the VPP will start its election campaign through the rally, with NPP planning its own next month.
Stating that such rallies are part of their election agenda, he added that the party has always welcomed development but has also listened to the voice of the people.
“We are close to announcement of the candidates and since there are so many applicants, so we took some time in announcing the candidate,” Dhar said.
The NPP downplayed MDA partners fielding separate candidates: “They have their own vote bank, we have our own and we will fight on our own,” Dhar said.
He claimed the party is well-prepared and on the verge of finalising its by-election candidate.
