By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 22: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on its critics, with party president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit accusing a section of the political establishment of reducing governance to “mere election-centric politics,” while defending his party’s involvement in the Lumpongdeng Island agitation as a moral responsibility.
Addressing a public meeting at Motphran, Basaiawmoit expressed dismay over Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar’s “Lok Sabha bypoll campaign” remarks, stating that such views reflect a narrow understanding of politics.
“The VPP does not exist merely to contest elections. Unlike some leaders, we do not see politics only through that lens,” Basaiawmoit said, while asserting that the party’s actions are guided by public interest rather than electoral gains.
Responding to Congress’s allegations that the VPP had attempted to “hijack” the issue, Basaiawmoit categorically denied the charge and credited Green-Tech Foundation and its leaders, including H. Bansiewdor Nonglang, for spearheading the movement.
He maintained that the VPP’s involvement was driven by concern for the safety and well-being of protesters, particularly those who had undertaken hunger strikes.
“We could not remain silent when young people were risking their lives. Our role was to support and prevent any tragedy,” he said, questioning critics on whether they would have been willing to accept potential loss of lives.
The VPP chief further alleged that the government had remained indifferent during the critical phase of the agitation, forcing civil society and political groups to step in. He claimed that without timely intervention, the situation could have escalated into a serious humanitarian crisis.
“When we raise issues, it is because they matter to the people. Calling it politics does not diminish the truth,” he added.
On the contentious state reservation policy, he said the party is exploring both legal and political avenues, including approaching the courts or pursuing reforms through electoral mandate in 2028. He alleged that the current government has failed to act on the recommendations of expert committees and accused it of lacking the political will to implement meaningful changes.
