Rajya Sabha MP from Meghalaya Dr WR Kharlukhi on Monday launched a sharp critique of the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP), urging it to expand its political reach beyond regional confines if it aspires to lead the state.
“I think they (VPP) should try it (venturing into Garo Hills) because when you be a party try to be the party of the whole State, not only of a particular region. They should try it,” said Kharlukhi.
Responding to questions on whether the VPP poses a threat to the growth of the National People’s Party (NPP) in Khasi Hills, he cited recent electoral performances to underline his party’s continued strength. “We won Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, even in last MP elections they (VPP) they won 25 out of 29 seats in Khasi Hills, now they have gone down to 17. We have another three years for the elections to come. I don’t see VPP is a threat to us.”
Amid rumours that sitting MLAs may be considering switching allegiances due to VPP’s growing influence, Kharlukhi dismissed such speculation. “We will see when elections come. To me there is no such thing.”
He exuded confidence in the current government’s stability and electoral future. “This government is going to remain till the end of the term and the way the politics of the state is going we are going to continue again.”
On NPP’s performance in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Kharlukhi asserted that the party has retained strong support in both regions. “In Jaintia Hills for the last two elections we have the largest number of votes, so we maintain our growth. Khasi Hills in the last MLA elections 4 candidates won and this time district council elections four MDCs won and in the coming elections I think we will improve.”
As political equations continue to evolve ahead of the next elections, Kharlukhi’s words set the tone for a widening battleground, where regional identity must eventually reckon with statewide relevance.
