KHADC EM’s resignation sparks defection speculation
SHILLONG, June 19: The state’s principal opposition party, Voice of the People Party (VPP) which is running the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, suffered a jolt when Pynkhrawborlin Kharjahrin, Executive Member in charge of Council Assets quit for obscure reasons.
The sudden development has ignited speculation in political circles about deepening friction within the VPP, exposing possible cracks in what was once touted as an impregnable front.
The development has triggered fresh political discussions within the Council, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that several VPP MDCs may be contemplating to move away from the ruling party. This potential exodus threatens the stability of the VPP-led Executive Committee and raises serious questions about hidden internal rifts.
Sources revealed that Kharjahrin had submitted his resignation on June 20, citing “increasing responsibilities” in his constituency — a reason many view with skepticism given the timing and the swirling rumours of internal discord.
The resignation became public during the ongoing KHADC budget session, where Kharjahrin continued to attend proceedings even after being relieved of his departmental responsibilities. Notably, questions relating to the Council Assets Department, including the proposed Khasi Traditional Medicine Institute, were answered by Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh.
This episode has amplified rumours of serious friction in the VPP, with whispers of ideological differences, unequal distribution of power, and growing discontent among some MDCs. As many as three to four MDCs are now speculated to be on the verge of defecting in the coming months, according to informed sources.
The timing is particularly damaging, as preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election in the Shillong Parliamentary constituency are under way.
Fuel was added to the fire recently when Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang alleged at a party meeting that VPP MDCs were being offered large sums of money by the National People’s Party (NPP) to switch sides.
The allegation drew a sharp rebuttal from Nongshken MDC and NPP Parliamentary Party leader in KHADC, Grace Mary Kharpuri, who challenged Marbaniang to name names and provide proof.
The VPP currently heads the Executive Committee after its decisive victory in the 2025 KHADC elections, winning 17 of 29 elected seats and later nominating Mathew Kenneth Makdoh. On paper, the ruling side enjoys a comfortable majority.
However, if the reported defections materialise amid this emerging friction in the VPP, the party’s effective strength could drop precariously low, potentially forcing a realignment or even collapse of the Executive Committee.
The opposition bloc, led by Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne, is watching closely. Neither the VPP nor its MDCs have publicly addressed the growing speculation, but the acceptance of Kharjahrin’s resignation by the Governor has intensified concerns over the stability of the ruling setup and possible behind-the-scenes power struggles within the party.
This unfolding drama has left many wondering whether the VPP’s much-hyped unity was more fragile than its leaders cared to admit. Efforts to get any reaction from VPP president Ardent M. Basaiawmoit was futile as repeated messages to him went unanswered.
