Congress asks people to reject VPP for Article 371, vote for strengthening Sixth Schedule

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 31, 2025

The Congress on Friday asked the people of Khasi-Jaintia region to reject the Voice of the People Party (VPP) for its decision to push for introduction of Article 371 in the state of Meghalaya if elected to power.

Speaking to media persons, sitting legislator of Mylliem Ronnie V Lyngdoh said, “You have seen the statement of the VPP that if they come to power, they would demand for introduction of Article 371. I fail to understand (because demanding for Article 371) is like a person, who is saying I want that house but when I get, I will burn it. Therefore, I urge the people of Khasi-Jaintia region not to be misled and not to support such parties.”

He said that it is the Congress party which has given the Sixth Schedule to the state of Meghalaya. “Till now, land, tradition and customs and also the trade commerce are being protected because of the vision of the Congress leaders through the Sixth Schedule.”

Lyngdoh also argued that if Article 371 is more powerful than Sixth Schedule then why would Ladakh demand for introduction of Sixth Schedule in their region.

“This is because of the fact that Article 371 will not protect the trade and commerce of the tribal people. Therefore, the Sixth Schedule is more powerful when it comes to the protection of tribal indigenous people, trade and commerce, land etc,” he said while appealing to the people to fully support Congress to further strengthen the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

Asked, the Congress leader further slammed the VPP for adopting the BJP’s strategy of exploiting the religious sentiments of the people.

“What is the difference between the BJP and VPP? Both are exploiting the religious sentiments of the people. If we blame the BJP for exploiting religious sentiments, the VPP is also liable to be blamed for doing the same,” he said.

“We can always claim that we love the Jaidbynriew but our actions should not speak otherwise. Now you want to do away with the Sixth Schedule. If Article 371 comes then traditional institutions will disappear. How can you claim you love the jaidbynriew. For the past 73 years, the Sixth Schedule has given us protection so why should we do away with it. I urge people to extend their full support to the Congress party,” Lyngdoh added.

Lyngdoh was accompanying candidates of the party including Banphiralang Basaiawmoit from Mylliem and Manuel Badwar from Laitumkhrah-Malki during the filing of nomination papers for the upcoming KHADC polls.

Banphiralang expressed confidence that the party will win the KHADC polls and said, “We are working hard to win the election and we are confident to win no doubt.”

“It is always good when you have new faces. It is a good sign for the society that young faces are coming forward to offer their service to the people,” he said.

The Congress candidate from Mylliem also emphasized the need to come up with effective laws to protect the indigenous people and their land while referring to the decision of the Uttarakhand state to implement the Uniform Civil Code while exempting tribal lands in that state.

He also underscored the importance of improving the financial position of the ADCs and said, “There is need for clarity on the revenue sharing between the state and the district council.”

Referring to the VPP as an “empty vessel”, Banphira said, “We as Congress, we know our principles and we have visions and we will let our actions speak louder than our words unlike the VPP which makes a lot of noises just like empty vessels.”