Voice of the People Party formally launched in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 19, 2021

The Voice of the People Party (VPP), a newly floated regional political party, was formally launched on Friday even as it urges the people of the state for a chance to lead the government in 2023.

Addressing the official launching of the new party, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said, “it is a historic day for all of us not simply because we are able to form this new regional party but more importantly we are proud of our courage and conviction to take this very big step especially at a time when the trend in the electoral politics is the role of money and the advantage taken by moneybags and businessmen, which has resulted in the absence of good legislators and serious law makers and that has also lead to serious implication for the state especially in terms of growth and development.”

“Today we make history by manifesting our determination to change the course of direction of our state (according to the) vision statement of the party which is to restore, revive and transform Meghalaya,” he added.

The former Nongkrem legislator said that the VPP is going to be a party with a difference in the sense that it is going to be driven by clean politics, clear ideas and ideologies.

Stating that the general perception of the people is that no elections can be fought or won without money power, he however said, “We can understand that people fully understand that is not the right way. However, they are helpless since they have no choice. Therefore, the VPP is an alternative to the people of the state.”

He also expressed concern that people are buying votes to become MLAs and alleges that after elections, if there is any vacancy, different posts have different price tags.

Spelling out the top priorities of the new party, Basaiawmoit said, “Our aim is to bring a real and complete change in the governance of the state with a strong, clean and decisive leadership and also an all round and inclusive development.”

Thanking the people for their willingness to be part of the effort to bring change in Meghalaya’s politics, the ex-MLA however said, “Change is possible and can take place only if we can get the support and cooperation from all the people who are concerned about the well being of the state. It is therefore the duty and responsibility of every right thinking person to support this effort to bring a real and complete change in our state. Therefore, no matter what comes in our way, our commitment to the cause will not be weakened.”

He further assured that the VPP will offer the people of the state only issues which are achievable.

Basaiawmoit is also the former president of the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) and also former chief executive member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.

When asked, Basaiawmoit told reporters that the VPP is preparing the ground to field candidates for the upcoming 2023 Assembly polls.

“However, we cannot say that the VPP will contest from all the 60 constituencies but definitely we will be contesting from a minimum of 40 constituencies,” he said.

Stating that the situation in the state is not normal, he said the people are experiencing a lot of hardships and have also seen the failure of the present government and the existing established political parties in the state.

“So there is a general opinion and feelings among the masses that they are fed up with the existing political parties so they want to see a new political party which is fresh, clean and that depends on the candidates we are going to set up,” he said.

To another query, Basaiawmoit said that it would be too premature to decide with whom “we will work post elections” while asserting “Nonetheless, no one is untouchable but we prefer to strengthen our own party first and we will see after the elections.”

Earlier, the constitution and the vision statement of the VPP was unanimously adopted and released during the meeting.

Interestingly, the meeting also witnessed supporters come forward and donated money for the new political party.