Shillong: Ahead of the upcoming Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections in Meghalaya, the Congress party launched a scathing attack on the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP), labelling them as “desperate” and “arrogant.”
Congress President Vincent H Pala made these remarks on Sunday, emphasising that despite the VPP currently holding four Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), two of these MLAs had previously served as Chief Executive Members in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) while being associated with different political parties.
However, both of them failed to complete their tenures, which, Pala pointed out, raises questions about their leadership capabilities.
Pala further criticised the VPP for displaying arrogance despite being a relatively new political entity.
He specifically referred to the VPP’s characterisation of the Congress as a “political clown,” attributing such remarks to the VPP’s desperation to gain attention.
The Congress leader went on to highlight the party’s significant role in the KHADC, particularly in collaboration with the National People’s Party (NPP) during a crucial phase when recommendations for an amendment to the Sixth Schedule were being sought.
He raised concerns about whether the VPP could clearly articulate its stance on important issues such as the preservation of the Khasi people’s customary practices and the safeguarding of the Sixth Schedule.
He also questioned whether the VPP’s agenda aligned with the promotion of Article 371.
Pala concluded by emphasising that the mandate received in different elections—whether for the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Member of Parliament (MP), or Member of District Council (MDC)—is distinct, underscoring that these elections serve different purposes and should not be conflated.
