Ardent Basaiawmoit’s leadership and past decisions have become focal points as Meghalaya’s KHADC election campaign heats up. The VPP, a prominent political player, is under scrutiny following comments from Grace Mary Kharpuri, a three-time MDC from Nongshken, who recalled why Basaiawmoit stepped down as CEM in 2014. She accused him of attempting to alter traditional Khasi customs by advocating for patriliny over the matrilineal system. This proposal reportedly faced significant opposition within the Executive Committee (EC) he led, eventually leading to his resignation after a six-month tenure fraught with accusations of unilateral decision-making.
Kharpuri, speaking at an NPP rally, warned that if the VPP gains power, it might revive the push for using the father’s surname, disrupting the longstanding cultural norms. She criticized Basaiawmoit for his confrontational stance against Dorbar Shnongs and described him as a “coward” for resigning amid fears of disqualification due to dual-post legislation. This law had been introduced by the previous Congress government led by Mukul Sangma, and unlike Basaiawmoit, Pynshngain N Syiem chose to challenge it, staying firm in his MDC role.
As the election date nears, anti-VPP factions appear poised to leverage these past controversies in their campaigns. While it’s unclear how these historical critiques will influence the impending polls, they undeniably fuel the political discourse surrounding Basaiawmoit and his party. The unfolding events underscore the charged atmosphere in Meghalaya politics, with key players vying for influence in the crucial days leading to the February 21 elections.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/02/15/npp-digs-up-ardents-patriliny-push/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-02-15 02:00:00
