Shillong: The BJP slammed the Voice of the People Party over a planned August 6 march to the Secretariat. State BJP general secretary Wankitbok Poshna called the protest a hostage situation for Shillong commuters. He wants the opposition to stop the street theatrics and wait for the Assembly session starting August 24. Poshna claims the House offers a more accountable venue for public debate.
The VPP is pushing for changes to the state Job Reservation Policy, the roster system, and smart meter regulations. The BJP, a partner in the ruling MDA coalition, argues these demonstrations will paralyze the city. They warn the march will cause severe traffic jams for students, patients, and workers. Poshna suggested the party send a delegation to the Chief Minister or hold smaller, symbolic protests instead.
VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit claims the march is vital to show public anger regarding the government’s indifference. He expects the Chief Minister and his Cabinet to meet the party at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Poshna dismissed the need for such disruption, stating, "No democratic exercise should hold an entire city hostage." The BJP is now attempting to shift the narrative from state policy failures to the looming urban chaos.
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