JOWAI : Cabinet Minister and Jowai legislator Wailadmiki Shylla has launched a sharp attack on the Voice of the People Party (VPP), questioning the party’s ability to govern Meghalaya and defending the performance of the NPP-led state government.
Speaking during an election campaign for NPP candidate Dr DRL Nonglait in Jowai on Tuesday night, Shylla accused the VPP of weakening the powers of traditional institutions during its tenure in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
Referring to changes in the KHADC Act, Shylla questioned the removal of the requirement for village headmen to certify land documents.
“Is this not stripping people of their rights? Is this not stripping our headmen of their authority?” he asked.
The minister also criticised the VPP’s tenure in the KHADC, pointing to what he described as internal divisions and instability within the council.
Shylla said that within a little over a year of the VPP coming to power in the district council, the Chief Executive Member and several Executive Members had resigned.
He further claimed that the party had struggled to maintain unity among its elected representatives, while alleging that issues concerning Hima Sohra and employment opportunities had also led to public dissatisfaction.
“They cannot even hold all four MLAs together for one meeting. Work is not moving forward,” Shylla said.
Taking his criticism to the state level, the Jowai legislator warned voters to consider the consequences if the VPP were given the responsibility of running the Meghalaya government.
“You’ve just begun in the KHADC and there is already so much turmoil. Think about what would happen if you were given Meghalaya to run,” he said.
In contrast, Shylla defended the NPP-led government, saying that despite having 32 MLAs, the party functions with discipline and coordination.
He cited Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong, saying the senior leaders continue to work together and speak with one voice.
“Till today we remain a government that works together in peace,” he stated.
Shylla also responded to criticism surrounding the use of official vehicles, clarifying that he travels in a government-registered ML01 Fortuner. He questioned how the VPP president, who is not part of the government, could afford to travel in a private Fortuner.
Highlighting development, the Jowai MLA pointed to investments in higher education in the region. He said the state government provides Rs 2 crore annually to East Jaintia College to support salaries and improve the quality of education.
Shylla said that in the past, the lack of medical and engineering colleges and a state university had made it difficult for parents to imagine professional careers for their children.
According to him, the situation is now changing with the development of new educational institutions under the present government.
Shylla concluded by urging voters to judge political parties based on their governance record, performance and delivery, rather than political rhetoric.