Meghalaya: WR Kharlukhi predicts VPP won’t dominate KHADC & JHADC elections
Shillong: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) is unlikely to dominate the upcoming elections for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) in Meghalaya, Rajya Sabha member W.R. Kharlukhi has said.
Speaking to reporters, Kharlukhi emphasized that district council elections differ significantly from Lok Sabha elections.
He noted that the selection of candidates would be crucial to the success of any political party. “However, we cannot ignore the fact that the VPP has established itself as a formidable regional force,” Kharlukhi said, referencing the party’s decisive victory over all political rivals in the Shillong constituency during the last Lok Sabha elections.
When asked whether the VPP would be able to maintain its momentum, Kharlukhi responded, “Sustainability in politics is not only a concern for regional parties but also for national parties.” He added that nothing is guaranteed in politics.
Commenting on the National People's Party (NPP) and its future, especially in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills where its popularity is lower, Kharlukhi said the party remains strong in the Garo Hills and is unlikely to be wiped out.
Regarding the Congress, Kharlukhi addressed the criticism directed at the state leadership under Vincent H. Pala. “People seem to forget that the Congress won the Tura Lok Sabha seat under Pala’s leadership. In internal politics, those aspiring for leadership positions often focus on negative aspects,” he remarked.
Kharlukhi also highlighted the NPP’s growth, recalling how the party, which had just two MLAs in 2013, rose to power by 2018.
He concluded by noting that although the Congress in Meghalaya appears to be struggling at present, “we cannot rule out its resurgence. This is the beauty of politics.”
