The VPP has slammed the statement made by leader of opposition and Congress MLA Ronnie V. Lyngdoh for questioning the VPP’s decision to abstain from voting in the Lok Sabha Speaker election.
Terming Lyngdoh’s statement as malicious and misleading, the VPP said it fully comprehends the significance and responsibilities associated with the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker.
“We do not require a lecture from Ronnie V. Lyngdoh on this matter. The insinuation that we lack understanding is both unfounded and patronising,” VPP said in a statement issued by media cell member Dr. Airpeace W. Rani.
According to the VPP, its MP Ricky A J Syngkon abstained from participating in the Speaker’s election because the Congress party could not properly chart a proper stand and strategy in view of its negotiation with the NDA to reach a consensus on candidates.
“The Congress was ready to accept the candidature of Om Birla provided the Deputy Speaker is selected from the Opposition. The Congress and the INDIA bloc was disorganised and lacked strategy. The Congress in view of the failure of the negotiation unilaterally decided to field its own candidate even without consulting the alliance partner let alone the other opposition parties. The Congress failed to make even a courtesy reach to our MP signifying that they were not really serious with the matter in opposing the BJP during the Speaker’s election,” the VPP said.
Stating that the decision by Syngkon to abstain from voting in the Speaker’s election is entirely constitutional, the VPP said that abstention is a recognised parliamentary procedure and has precedents in the Lok Sabha history.
“Numerous instances exist where MPs have abstained from voting for various reasons, reflecting the democratic right to express non-participation when circumstances are unclear or unsatisfactory,” it added.
The VPP also made it clear that it would extend support to the INDIA bloc if such support is not in conflict with the party ideology.
Further, the VPP accused the Congress under Lyngdoh’s leadership of displaying blatant lack of principles.
“While Ronnie serves as the leader of opposition in the Legislative Assembly, the Congress party simultaneously partners with the ruling NPP in the KHADC. This dual role, with Ronnie also serving as an MDC in the KHADC, exemplifies political opportunism and a lack of consistency. The Congress party’s contradictory positions reveal their politics of convenience, devoid of any steadfast principles. Ronnie V Lyngdoh epitomises this unprincipled approach, and thus, he is in no position to lecture the VPP on political conduct,” the VPP said.
