By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 12: The National People’s Party on Tuesday rejected the Voice of the People Party allegation that the ruling party altered its electoral strategy by fielding an academically accomplished candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll in response to the VPP’s growing popularity, while adding that the NPP did not need to take inspiration from the VPP.
Reacting to a report in The Shillong Times, NPP spokesperson Himalaya M. Shangpliang described the VPP’s remarks as “politically motivated” and lacking factual basis.
He asserted that merit, education and public service have always formed an important part of the NPP’s political ideology and leadership structure.
According to Shangpliang, the VPP’s claim that the NPP chose an academic candidate (Khasi Authors’ Society president D.R.L. Nonglait) for the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election merely to counter the opposition party’s appeal was misleading and reflected political insecurity.
“The NPP does not need to take inspiration from the VPP. Our commitment to education, merit and intellectual leadership has existed long before the VPP emerged as a political force in Meghalaya,” he stated.
Criticising the VPP for allegedly portraying the party as being driven solely by “winnability, wealth and influence”, Shangpliang said that such remarks undermine the contribution of grassroots workers, teachers, women leaders, farmers and youth members associated with the party over the years.
