By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 22: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) raised concerns on Wednesday about transparency in awarding major government projects, questioning contractor Badri Rai’s role. Party president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said understanding “who Badri Rai is” is more urgent than the government’s proposed research into the origins of the state’s three indigenous tribes.
Speaking at a public meeting in Motphran, Basaiawmoit urged the government to “take its time” on the recently announced study of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo roots. He argued that accountability in development works demands immediate attention.
“What the people need to know today is “who is Badri Rai”, and how does he continue to secure major projects across the state?” Basaiawmoit asked, spotlighting the contractor’s involvement in projects like Eklavya Model Residential Schools across constituencies including Sohryngkham and Mawsynram.
The VPP chief alleged that concentrating contracts with one entity warrants scrutiny. He referenced a past incident where a vehicle linked to Rai was found carrying large sums of cash during an NPP election campaign in Arunachal Pradesh.
“We are not raising these issues out of bias. The public deserves clarity and a firm factual basis,” he said.
Basaiawmoit’s comments follow Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s announcement of a research initiative on Khasi-Jaintia and Garo origins. While acknowledging it, the VPP leader insisted it shouldn’t distract from governance issues, reiterating no urgency exists to trace tribal roots.
He also criticised the government’s “selective urgency,” citing the recent push for official language status to Khasi and Garo after public pressure.
“Decisions are now being projected as historic, but these should have been addressed much earlier,” Basaiawmoit said, calling for consistent governance over reactive steps.
Reaffirming the party’s stand, Basaiawmoit said the VPP would continue to push for transparency, accountability and policies that safeguard the interests of the people, while urging citizens to remain vigilant on issues involving public resources and development projects.
