VPP Rally in Shillong Highlights Public Discontent with Government
VPP Demonstration in Shillong
VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit during the march in Shillong, on Thursday. (AT Photo)
Shillong, Aug 6: Supporters of the opposition party, Voice of the People Party (VPP), gathered in large numbers in Shillong on Thursday, marching towards the Additional Secretariat to demand action on various public issues. They accused the state government of neglecting the concerns raised by the opposition.
Demonstrators from various regions of Meghalaya rallied outside the Additional Secretariat, chanting slogans against the government. A significant police presence ensured that the protest remained peaceful.
VPP president and Nongkrem MLA, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the rally was a manifestation of the growing public dissatisfaction with the government's operations and its reluctance to engage with opposition voices.
"Why do we have to take to the streets? Because we have been consistently ignored by the government when we raise important issues," Basaiawmoit stated.
He deemed the protest a success, noting that the turnout indicated increasing public support for the VPP.
"Who else can gather such a crowd spontaneously without any financial backing? Shouldn't I feel pleased? Shouldn't I feel fulfilled? We believe our message needs to be heard," he remarked.
The VPP has previously submitted several memorandums to the government regarding various issues but has received no written responses or invitations for discussions.
"As a party, we have decided to stop submitting memorandums since it is unfortunate that the government does not respond to us in writing or engage us in discussions," Basaiawmoit explained.
He further mentioned that the party no longer finds it necessary to submit new petitions on issues that are already well-known to the government.
Key issues raised by the VPP included environmental concerns, unemployment, and perceived deficiencies in the government's functioning.
This protest follows the state government's suggestion for the VPP to address its concerns within the Assembly rather than through public demonstrations.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar had previously encouraged the opposition party to utilize the legislative assembly, where they have elected representatives, to discuss public matters.
In response, Basaiawmoit claimed that opposition legislators are not afforded sufficient opportunities to participate in Assembly discussions.
"Opposition members are given limited time during Assembly sessions, while ruling party members receive more time. We hardly have enough time to discuss various issues. We are not avoiding debate; we present facts to the government," he asserted.
Describing the turnout as impressive, especially on a weekday, Basaiawmoit highlighted that it demonstrated strong public support for the party's initiatives.
"The crowd is substantial and spontaneous, particularly on a working day like today," he noted.
This protest occurs just before the Autumn Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, set to commence later this month, where many of the issues raised by the VPP are anticipated to be discussed.