Basaiawmoit dubs it battle between ‘rich and poor’
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 19: Voice of the People Party (VPP) supremo Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Tuesday indicated he may contest from the Nartiang constituency in the 2028 Assembly elections if formally invited by Nartiang MLA and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, describing the potential contest as a battle between “the rich and the poor”.
Addressing a public meeting at Iewpynsing, Wahiajer in West Jaintia Hills, Basaiawmoit referred to an alleged invitation from Dhar and said, “If what I heard is correct and if I have not misunderstood, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has invited me to contest from Nartiang. If he has truly invited me, perhaps I may accept it. It will be more interesting.”
He added that if he enters the fray, the election would symbolise a fight between a poor man and a rich man.
“I may not have wealth or resources, but I already feel assured that the love of the people will prevail,” he asserted.
The remarks come after Dhar, a four-time legislator from Nartiang, welcomed anyone to contest against him in 2028. Responding to speculation about VPP fielding a candidate, Dhar had said on Friday, “Anybody is welcome, no problem. It is open for anyone even from outside the constituency to contest.”
On the possibility of Basaiawmoit contesting, Dhar had remarked, “If he comes to contest, I fear that Nongkrem will not accept him back anymore.”
Basaiawmoit expressed strong confidence that the VPP would secure victory in Nartiang. He claimed that Meghalaya’s politics is now largely dominated by two parties — the ruling NPP and the VPP.
“Today there are only two parties in Meghalaya. One is the NPP and the other is the VPP. The NPP says it wants to continue ruling the state, while the VPP says it will take over power in 2028,” he said.
He alleged that the NPP was relying on money power, government machinery, and official resources, while the VPP would depend on people’s love and support.
“We place our trust in God and in the wisdom and love of the people. We will see whether money power or people’s love will win. We believe love will triumph,” Basaiawmoit added.
The public meeting was part of VPP’s statewide campaign to mobilise support against the NPP-led MDA Government. Senior party leaders, including JHADC MDC Jamshaphrang Pohtam from War Central, attended the event.
