Shillong, April 22: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Wednesday held a public meeting at Motphran in Shillong to mobilise support for its eight-point charter of demands against the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) 2.0 government.
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| VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit addresses a public meeting at Motphran in Shillong, calling for mass protests and action on the party’s eight-point charter of demands. |
Addressing the gathering, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit criticised sections of the political establishment, accusing them of reducing governance to what he described as “mere election-centric politics.” He said the party’s actions are driven by public interest rather than electoral considerations.
“The VPP does not exist merely to contest elections. Unlike some leaders, we do not see politics only through that lens,” Basaiawmoit said while reacting to remarks attributed to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbahlang Dhar, which he said reflected a narrow understanding of politics.
A key issue raised during the rally was the controversial tourism project at Lumpongdeng Island in Umiam Lake, which the state government recently withdrew following protests led by the Green-Tech Foundation Meghalaya. Responding to allegations that the VPP had attempted to “hijack” the agitation, Basaiawmoit denied the charge and credited the foundation and its leaders, including H. Bansiewdor Nonglang, for spearheading the movement.
He said the party’s involvement in the agitation was motivated by concern for the safety and well-being of protesters, particularly those who had undertaken hunger strikes. “We could not remain silent when young people were risking their lives. Our role was to support and prevent any tragedy,” he said.
Basaiawmoit also criticised several government policies and outlined the party’s key demands. Among them was a call for education reforms, including exempting veteran teachers from late-career eligibility tests and repealing the Meghalaya Private College Act, 2025, which he said would help safeguard the autonomy of educational institutions.
On administrative reforms, he urged the government to depoliticise recruitment bodies such as the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and District Selection Committees (DSC) to eliminate corruption. He also demanded an end to service extensions for retired officials, arguing that such measures would create more employment opportunities for the youth.
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The VPP leader further called for an end to leasing public land to private entities and urged the government to halt the expansion of coke and cement plants, citing environmental and health concerns.
He also emphasised the need to secure the state’s borders and protect indigenous communities through a strict and transparent mechanism to detect and deport illegal immigrants.
Basaiawmoit also raised concerns about alleged illegal coal mining in the Jaintia Hills region, claiming that residents had informed him that the activity continues despite the ban. He said if the government is unable to stop the practice, it must address the issue transparently.
Meanwhile, the VPP president called for a massive protest to pressure the government into acting on the party’s demands. Urging supporters to participate in large numbers, he announced plans to march towards the Secretariat.
“We will fill the streets of Shillong. We will march to the Secretariat and demand action. If our demands are not met, this protest will not stop,” he said.
