By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 10: The Meghalaya BJP on Sunday criticised the Voice of the People Party (VPP) for boycotting the recent all-party meeting on the state reservation policy, accusing the opposition of avoiding a discussion on an issue it had campaigned for.
State BJP general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna said the VPP should have attended the meeting convened by the government to discuss the Expert Committee report. He claimed the party’s absence indicates a lack of seriousness, despite its history of organising public protests on the matter.
Pohshna argued that even if the VPP felt it was not given enough time during the Assembly session, the all-party meeting provided the appropriate platform to share suggestions or demand further rounds of discussion.
He also questioned the VPP’s demand for reservation based on population ratio, noting that the Expert Committee likely considered all legal aspects and Supreme Court rulings before submitting its recommendations. Pohshna maintained that any apprehensions regarding the report should have been raised during the meeting.
He added that discussions should take place within democratic and constitutional forums rather than through external protests.
The VPP had defended its decision on Saturday, accusing the state government of avoiding a comprehensive debate in the Assembly. Party spokesperson AW Rani stated the move was based on “principle and constitutional propriety.” The VPP continues to demand a review of the reservation policy based on population ratio and maintains that the Assembly remains the most appropriate forum for such deliberations.
