The Voice of the People Party (VPP) is setting its sights on Garo Hills, with the aim of unseating the National People’s Party (NPP) in the 2028 elections. “Obviously that is an open secret. Even if I don’t say it, the people are forecasting that the fight in 2028 will be between VPP and NPP,” said VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit told reporters on Friday.
“As of now, there’s a perception that VPP will do better in Khasi and Jaintia Hills, and NPP in Garo Hills. But I am telling you, it will be a different situation altogether once we enter the electioneering year.” When asked if the party would approach former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to lead the charge in Garo Hills, Basaiawmoit was dismissive. “We don’t believe in that kind of simple politics,” he said.
“Our political calculation is different. We believe in principles, ideologies, and issues, and we won’t compromise on that.” Basaiawmoit emphasized that the party wouldn’t be leaderless in Garo Hills, pointing to the example of late Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon, who was fielded by VPP and won the Shillong Lok Sabha seat.