Shillong : Voice of the People Party (VPP) leader and Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang has dismissed speculation that party president Ardent Basaiawmoit will contest the 2028 Meghalaya Assembly elections from two constituencies, calling the claims baseless and politically motivated.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Marbaniang said the rumours were being spread by political opponents.
“Nothing as such. These are merely rumours being circulated by our opponents,” he said.
Marbaniang clarified that the selection of candidates for the 2028 Assembly elections will be decided solely by the party leadership and not by any individual leader.
“I am the MLA from Mawlai, and if the party continues to entrust me with the responsibility in 2028, I will contest. Ardent is the MLA from Nongkrem, and if the party decides he should contest, he will. Otherwise, even Ardent will not contest if the party does not find him suitable,” he said.
The VPP legislator stressed that the party follows a policy of equality and does not extend special treatment to any leader, including its president.
“That is the stand of the party. Whether it is me, Ardent, or anyone else, everyone is treated equally,” Marbaniang added.
His remarks come amid growing political speculation over the VPP’s strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections, with the party maintaining that all decisions regarding ticket distribution will be taken collectively based on party principles.