VPP’s manifesto in Hindi raises questions about party’s motives amidst language debate in Meghalaya
Shillong, March 22: In what can only be described as irony and double standards, the Voice of the People Party (VPP), despite showing antagonism against the Hindi language, has a Hindi version of its vision and poll promises in its election manifesto! VPP’s election manifesto is published in three languages – Khasi, English, and Hindi – all in one booklet.
VPP created much furore and grabbed attention on the first day of the Budget Session of the 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Monday when its legislators led by its chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit decided to walk out of the Assembly over Governor Phagu Chauhan addressing the House in Hindi, citing that they did not understand the language.
VPP’s decision to have a Hindi version of the election manifesto assumes significance in view of the party’s antics in the Assembly on Monday. This move has raised questions about the VPP’s credibility and motives in the Assembly.
The irony of the situation is hard to ignore. While the VPP’s President and party legislators’ claim that they do not understand Hindi, it contradicts the fact that their election manifesto is also available in Hindi. This has led many to question on the party’s true intentions and whether they are playing politics for their benefit rather than for the good of the people they claim to represent.
It is also interesting to note that VPP’s decision to walk out of the Assembly during the Governor’s speech in Hindi was seen as an act of protest against the imposition of the Hindi language on the state of Meghalaya, where Khasi, Jaintia and Garo are the primary languages spoken by the majority, with English being the standard language for communication that is understood my most of the population. The VPP’s move was widely praised as a stand against linguistic imperialism and for the preservation of regional languages and cultures.
However, the party’s decision to include a Hindi version in their election manifesto has raised doubts about their commitment to their cause. It is believed that the party’s leadership may have taken a strategic decision to include a Hindi version in their manifesto to attract Hindi-speaking voters. This move has been viewed as a ploy to win votes rather than a genuine effort to promote regional languages and cultures.
Nonetheless, the stance of the VPP’s leadership on this move remains to be seen as they are yet to address this new controversy raised.
