Is the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) becoming a victim of a false narrative? Nearly a year after emerging as one of Meghalaya’s fastest-growing political forces, the party has found itself at the centre of relentless speculation over alleged internal divisions and leadership disputes. As rumours continue to swirl ahead of the high-stakes Shillong Parliamentary by-election, VPP leaders have mounted a strong defence, insisting that the party remains united, that every major decision is taken collectively, and that attempts to portray cracks within its ranks are part of a politically driven narrative aimed at weakening its growing support base. Hinting at alleged divisions within the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), VPP Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang questioned the decision to remove Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh from the State Cabinet, claiming the move was decided by “one man”.
Rejecting allegations of factionalism within the party, Marbaniang asserted that the organisation functions through collective leadership and consensus, maintaining that no individual dictates the party’s decisions, including the selection of candidates for elections.
Talking to Media persons, VPP Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang said,
“When you ask from our opponent then they would like to create the narrative. But then I believe, as far as our supporters are concerned, spreading across from the city to rural areas, they are still with us, and they will keep on supporting us.”
Responding to questions on whether differences had surfaced within the VPP, the Mawlai MLA turned the spotlight on the ruling NPP, citing the reshuffle that saw Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh dropped from the State Cabinet.
“Why are you not asking the chief minister of Meghalaya when Ampareen Lyngdoh was dropped from the cabinet. Ampareen was in Delhi, on the first day, she was there as the cabinet Minister and the second day she was there, just like a MLA. The decision was made by one man without informing Ampareen, you go and ask the Chief Minister first with regard to this. And in fact, I would like to tell you that nothing is there in our party,” the VPP leader said.
On the resignation of Mawkyrwat MDC Pynkhrawboklin Kharjahrin from his position as Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, Marbaniang maintained that it was a personal decision and not reflective of any rift within the VPP.
“It was his personal decision, he felt there are certain issues which are again his personal issues and he resigned from the EM post but he is with the party,” he said.
Asked whether he is claiming that the NPP itself was witnessing internal divisions, Marbaniang declined to elaborate, saying it was for others to find out.
Defending the party’s decision to field Batskhem Myrboh as its candidate for the Shillong Parliamentary by-election, Marbaniang dismissed suggestions that the nomination had created discontent within the VPP.
“Who told you? Every one of us are happy. It was a unanimous decision,” the MLA said.
Maintaining that political opponents were deliberately attempting to project an image of discord, Marbaniang said, “There is something the opponent are trying to create a narrative that within VPP there is a division, split or it is a one-man decision.”
“I’ll tell you as a party it is always a collective decision. Whatever decision we take as a party it is a collective decision, no matter what the opponent try to paint us,” he added.
On leaders from other political parties seeking to join the VPP, Marbaniang said the party remained open to those who genuinely subscribed to its ideology but would not promise electoral tickets.
“See as per as VPP is concern, we are very clear Right from day one when we started the party, whether it is 2023 election and most importantly post 2023 from 2024 MP election, then comes the District Council elections, We welcome everyone who subscribe to the ideology of the party.
We welcome everyone, but then to say that, okay, you come and we will assure you the party ticket, no.
To each and everyone, we said you can come, You can ask for ticket, but this is with the party.
And if anyone comes with the soul intention that I will joined VPP to get a ticket. And we said right from the Day one please don’t come because we cannot assure because it is, as I have told you, it will be a collective decision,” the VPP leader said.
Marbaniang maintained that the VPP’s organisational structure is rooted in collective leadership and consensus, asserting that the party’s decision-making process has remained unchanged despite sustained political attacks and speculation over its internal affairs.
