The Voice of the People Party (VPP), Meghalaya’s newest regional political entity, has suspended one of its four MLAs and four other party leaders for anti-party activities.
The MLA, Adelbert Nongrum, represents the North Shillong Assembly constituency.
Kara H. Shen, the VPP’s vice-president, told the MLA in a letter on March 24 that the party examined his response to a show-cause notice issued to him on March 1 regarding his anti-party activities.
“It is observed that your reply, rather than expressing remorse or acknowledging the concerns raised, was defensive, confrontational, and lacked any sign of regret for actions deemed detrimental to the party’s interests. Your approach in responding to the show-cause notice further indicates a defiance of party discipline and principles, which cannot be overlooked,” the letter read.
Mr. Shen said the party found Mr. Nongrum’s explanation satisfactory and suspended him for three years with immediate effect, according to the rules of the party. The MLA was asked not to represent the party in any forum or public platform during his suspension period.
The VPP also suspended Snarbor Laloo, Imti Jamir, Wilstone Sohshang, and Richinbusiness Marwein, who aspired for the party’s tickets for the election to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC). The period of their suspension has not been specified.
Mr. Nongrum joined the VPP ahead of the 2023 Assembly election in Meghalaya. He represented the North Shillong seat for the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement party earlier.
After the VPP snubbed his nominees for the KHADC polls held on February 21, he released a video with four others, criticising the party. In 2024, he had also questioned the party’s choice of Ricky A.J. Syngkon as its candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha constituency.
Mr. Syngkon secured more than 55% of the votes to bag the Shillong seat.
Mr. Nongrum’s alienation from the party became apparent when the other three MLAs did not support the private Bills he tabled in the Assembly.
The VPP has been on an upswing since the 2023 Assembly election. Its bull run saw the party win 17 seats in the KHADC, uprooting the National Democratic Alliance constituent National People’s Party (NPP) and its allies.
The VPP finished second behind the NPP in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council by bagging eight seats. Of the 30 seats in each council, one is for a nominated member.
