Ardent claims that people already decided to vote for VPP, attribute it to success of clean politics campaigns

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 16, 2024

President of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Tuesday claimed that the people have already decided to vote for the party much ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing an election campaign at Mawkhar under North Shillong constituency, Basaiawmoit said, “This is for the first time that people have already decided two-three weeks before the election (to vote for the VPP). This is an achievement for us as leaders because usually, people decide one day before the election and sometimes they decide because they have taken money. But this time, the teachings of the VPP leaders has helped the people to decide wisely during elections to vote not for money.”

Speaking about his clean politics campaign, Basaiawmoit said he has decided to resign as FKJGP president and contested the MLA elections in 2003.

“I went to offer my candidature to the people of Nongkrem to give me a chance to serve them. I went and told them straight that see I cannot give you money, I will not give liquor or hold feasts. I also said if people voted for me, not a single paise that belongs to me I will give them and not a single paise that belongs to them I will not take. I said that because I know if people voted for me as MLA, I will have to live within the limit, I don’t want to fight for contract work with anyone. The Nongkrem people in 2003 cannot accept such a clean political campaign.”

“After election, I went to stay in Nongkrem constituency as I promised them whether I win or lose I will not leave you. So I started sensitizing them on how to elect an MLA. Then they elected me twice in 2008 and 2013 and I lost in 2018. I will not say it was bad luck. When I entered politics in 2008, I realised that only politics is not enough, that is why I realised we need clean politics. We started clean politics campaigns in 2010. Many said it is not possible to clean politics. Some of the seasoned politicians also advised me that in politics, if you cannot win, join them. But with due respect to them, I said never, if I cannot win, I will quit, I cannot join them.”

He claimed that people are responding to clean politics campaigns and that is why they say no to money for voting to ensure clean governance.