Editor,
As a dedicated supporter of the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) since its inception, I have admired their commitment to reform and their promise of a principled approach to governance. I believed in their vision for change and proudly cast my vote for them during the MP elections, trusting that they would bring integrity and progress to our state.
However, recent developments have left me deeply disappointed. One of VPP’s founding principles was to carefully select candidates who are highly qualified, graduates, and free from the taint of political opportunism. They assured us that they would avoid fielding candidates who casually shift between parties or prioritize personal gains over public service.
Regrettably, in the upcoming MDC election for the Jowai North constituency of the JHADC, the VPP has chosen Andrew Shullai as their candidate. Shullai is an incumbent MDC from the Congress party and previously contested the 2023 MLA elections under the TMC banner, which he lost. This decision appears to contradict the very values the VPP claims to uphold. The party’s promise now appears to have been a false assurance to the people who placed their faith in the party’s commitment to clean politics.
This deviation from their core principles has been an eye-opener. When some members left the party, citing concerns about its direction, I initially dismissed their actions as misguided. But now, I understand their frustrations. They likely foresaw the erosion of the party’s ideals and acted accordingly.
While I acknowledge the good work being done by some of their MLAs and their MP, it is troubling to see the party veering off course. I urge voters to reflect on these issues and choose candidates who truly embody the principles of transparency, accountability, and dedication to public service.
The VPP must realign with its founding vision if it wishes to retain the trust and support of its people.
Damechwa Laloo,
Jowai.
