Stage set for triangular contest between NPP, VPP and Congress
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 14: The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee on Thursday unanimously resolved that its chief, Vincent H. Pala, should contest the forthcoming by-election to the Shillong Lok Sabha seat. This decision has now firmly set the stage for a triangular contest between the VPP, the NPP, and the Congress.
The resolution came after an organisational meeting attended by district and block-level Congress leaders from across the state. Apart from the Lok Sabha bypoll, discussions also focused on preparations for the GHADC elections and strengthening the party at the grassroots.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Pala said one of the major resolutions was the unanimous endorsement of his candidature by party leaders and workers. The proposal will now be formally sent to the Congress high command in Delhi for approval and final announcement.
“We had detailed discussions regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election and the GHADC elections. The proposal that I should contest the Lok Sabha by-poll will be placed before the party leadership,” Pala said.
The MPCC chief added that district and block-level units have been instructed to immediately complete committee formations and intensify organisational activities. Several committees have already been constituted and have begun holding meetings and coordination programmes.
Expressing confidence, Pala said Congress workers are showing renewed energy and the party is optimistic about improving its performance. “We believe Congress will perform well this time,” he added.
The bypoll is now set for a triangular contest with the entry of three candidates of varied backgrounds. The VPP has fielded academician Batskhem Myrboh, projecting merit, integrity, clean politics, and strong appeal among the youth. The NPP has nominated D.R.L. Nonglait, president of the Khasi Authors’ Society and a respected scholar. Vincent H. Pala, a seasoned leader and former Lok Sabha MP, brings extensive political experience for the Congress.
Recent days have also seen a sharp exchange of words between the NPP and VPP over their choice of candidates. The VPP claimed that the growing influence of their party among the public and youth has forced the NPP to change its strategy by fielding an academician against their own.
VPP stated that traditionally, parties prioritised “winnability, wealth and influence,” but the NPP’s move to pit Nonglait against Myrboh reflects an attempt to counter VPP’s core appeal of educated and integrity-driven leadership.
The NPP, meanwhile, has defended its choice, highlighting Nonglait’s lifelong contributions to Khasi language, literature, and culture, and positioning him as a strong intellectual voice capable of advancing tribal aspirations at the national level.
Pala reiterated that Congress remains committed to protecting minority communities and safeguarding secular values. He criticised the growing influence of communal politics and alleged that certain central legislations, including amendments to the FCRA and anti-conversion laws in various states, are creating fear and insecurity among Christians and other minorities.
“Today, such things may be happening elsewhere, but tomorrow, similar laws and policies could affect Meghalaya as well. People must realise the long-term consequences of communal politics,” he warned.
He accused the BJP of encouraging divisive politics for electoral gains and also criticised the NPP-led government in the state for allegedly allowing select groups to control resources while communal divisions influence politics.
The ECI is expected to announce the schedule for the bypoll shortly. With three candidates now in the fray and verbal exchanges already heating up between VPP and NPP, the contest is expected to be intense and will be closely watched across Meghalaya.
