Shillong: The Voice of the People Party is ramping up efforts for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election. Party president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit confirmed the push during a gathering of workers from 36 Khasi-Jaintia Hills constituencies at the Nongkrem office last Saturday. Leaders remain confident about the race. The party is also building its base for the 2028 Assembly elections with hopes of forming the state government.
Basaiawmoit brushed off claims that the VPP-led Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council is attacking indigenous faiths. He called these accusations politically motivated. He noted that the removal of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem stemmed from reported administrative irregularities rather than religious intolerance. Similarly, he stated that refusing a sanad to the minor Syiem of Hima Sohra followed customary procedures.
The VPP leader expressed little concern over the upcoming vote. "The supporters have received proper training and explanation on the principles of the VPP and it’s hard now to change their minds," Basaiawmoit said.
The party started in November 2021. It won four seats in the 2023 Assembly elections: Mawlai, North Shillong, Nongkrem, and Mawryngkneng. Dr. Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon claimed the Shillong Lok Sabha seat in 2024. Syngkon died of cardiac arrest on February 19, 2026, at age 54. His death created the current vacancy.
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