Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has said that his party stands a chance to win 70 per cent of the seats in the district council elections to be held on February 21, next year.
Speaking at a public meeting held in Jowai to introduce the 29 VPP contenders who will fight the elections to the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) slated for February 21, Basaiawmoit said the MDC polls is the “semi-final” before the Assembly elections in 2028.
He criticised the working of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) 2.0 government and stated that it has left many people in despair, be it in employment, the oppression which affects the poor, poverty, delay in payment of salaries, the decline of the state in all aspects and the debt to pay the loans.
He pointed to the surge in crimes and stated the government can no longer control as many youths have fallen and trapped in alcohol and drugs, and other anti-social activities.
The VPP president also criticised the state government which panders only to the needs of only a few individuals or groups. “Even the natural resources in East Jaintia Hills have been destroyed and lands sold to non-indigenous people and also allowed trade to be conducted by outsiders,” he said.
According to Basaiawmoit the party believes that before the 29 candidates go to the people seeking for votes, they should first flag the issues and rules of the party.
The VPP candidate for the 2025 MDC polls are, Isaak Shylla (War-East), Jamshaphrang Pohtam (War-Central), Batskhem Hayong (War-West), Dr. Samely Shylla (Amwi-Khliehtyrshi), Nehemaiah Lamare (Mukhla-Ummulong), Closroy Laloo (Moodymmai-Nongkhroh), Yoowanmi Myrïa (Nartiang-Wahlajer), Chanbor Rymbai (Moodop-Umladang), Laiawanlam Jinghun Khyriem (Mynso-Nongjngi), Darapbiang Mulieh (Mynsngat-Khanduli), Darimi Liam (Shilliang Myntang), Sarlangki Dkhar (Barato-Mukroh), Thiyo Lapasam (Saphai-Sahsniang), Rimiki Niang (Mowkaiaw), T.Z. Dkhar (Raliang), Hameshaniah Suiam (Shangpung), Gresentus Susngi (Nangbah – Mihmyntdu), Andrew Shullai (Jowal-North), Iaibatlang Talang (Jowai-South), Soki Lapasam (Muthlong), Delmon Phawa (Tuber-Wapungshnong), Damewanhi Rymbai (Musniang- Rangad), Tyngshain Phawa (Rymbai-Khliehriat), Lamsuk Langstang (Sutnga-Narwan), Lastborn Sympli (Sutnga-Nongkhlieh), Dakeinkor Tangliang (Sumer), Prince Sukhlaiñ (Saipung-Nongkhlieh), Deiwi Tongper (Narpuh) and Levenson Suchiang (Bataw-Lakadong).