Shillong, May 11: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has landed itself in controversy over what many are calling a contradictory and politically convenient explanation for skipping the recent all-party meeting on Meghalaya’s reservation policy report.
The all-party meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on May 6, was called to brief political parties on the key findings and recommendations of the Expert Committee constituted to examine the State’s reservation policy. According to the government, the report comprises 21 volumes running into nearly 4,000 pages and had already been circulated to all MLAs after it was tabled in the Assembly on February 18, 2026.
All recognised political parties attended the meeting except the VPP.
In its official letter dated May 1 addressed to the Deputy Secretary of the Personnel Department, the VPP president, Ardent M Basaiamoit clearly stated that the party “will not” attend the May 6 all-party meeting because the “timing is not conducive” and that the party was “actively engaged with pressing issues concerning the State and its people” which required urgent attention. The letter further said the party was therefore “unable to participate in the proposed meeting.”
However, after criticism began pouring in from different quarters over its absence from such an important discussion, the party issued a fresh press release on May 9 offering an entirely different explanation for its absence.
This time, the VPP claimed its boycott was “intentional and politically conscious,” arguing that the meeting was merely a “political formality” and not a sincere exercise to resolve the reservation issue.
The sharp contrast between the two statements has triggered questions over the party’s consistency and credibility.
The contradiction has also exposed what political opponents describe as the party’s “selective politics” changing narratives depending on public mood instead of standing firmly by its original position.
Ironically, sources said that while the all-party meeting was being held in Shillong, VPP leaders were in Jowai campaigning for the party’s candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election.
The development has drawn attention as the VPP had earlier spearheaded the demand for a review of the State reservation policy and even staged a hunger strike that eventually pushed the government to constitute the Expert Committee. Despite repeatedly accusing the government of avoiding serious discussion on the issue, the party chose not to attend the crucial consultation, citing engagement with “other pressing issues.”
Questions have also been raised over the attendance record of several VPP legislators, including party president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, who has often been criticised by rivals for skipping Assembly proceedings while simultaneously projecting the party as the loudest opposition voice.
Political observers have pointed out the irony of the VPP accusing others of not being serious about democratic discussion while repeatedly resorting to protests, walkouts, and absenteeism themselves.
The latest controversy surrounding the all-party meeting has now added to growing criticism that the VPP prefers political optics and public posturing over sustained participation in institutional discussions.
