Home MEGHALAYA Congress MLA calls on people to reject VPP for pushing Article 371

Congress MLA calls on people to reject VPP for pushing Article 371

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Congress MLA calls on people to reject VPP for pushing Article 371

The Congress has called on the people of the Khasi-Jaintia region to reject the Voice of the People Party (VPP), accusing it of misleading voters with its push for Article 371 and of adopting divisive religious politics similar to the BJP.

Mylliem MLA Ronnie V. Lyngdoh on Friday criticized the VPP’s promise to introduce Article 371 in Meghalaya if elected, likening it to someone wanting a house only to burn it down upon acquiring it. “I urge the people of Khasi-Jaintia not to be misled and not to support such parties,” he said.

Lyngdoh stressed that it was the Congress that secured the Sixth Schedule for Meghalaya, which continues to protect the land, customs, and trade of the indigenous people. He questioned why Ladakh, which falls under Article 371, is now demanding the Sixth Schedule if Article 371 were truly more beneficial. “Article 371 does not protect tribal trade and commerce the way the Sixth Schedule does. That’s why Ladakh wants it, and that’s why Meghalaya must not abandon it,” he argued.

The Congress leader also took aim at the VPP for exploiting religious sentiments, drawing a parallel with the BJP. “If we blame the BJP for using religion in politics, then VPP must be held accountable for doing the same,” he said.

Accusing the VPP of undermining the rights of the Khasi-Jaintia people, Lyngdoh warned that if Article 371 replaces the Sixth Schedule, traditional institutions will be at risk of disappearing. “For 73 years, the Sixth Schedule has protected us. Why throw it away now? If you truly love the jaidbynriew, you must stand by the Congress to strengthen these protections, not dismantle them,” he urged.

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