VPP supremo ready for Dhar’s Nartiang ‘invite’

Basaiamoit dubs it battle between ‘rich and poor’

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 19: Voice of the People Party (VPP) supremo Ardent Miller Basaiamoit on Tuesday indicated he may contest from the Nartiang constituency in the 2028 Assembly elections if formally invited by Nartiang MLA and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, describing the potential contest as a battle between “the rich and the poor”.

Addressing a public meeting at Iewpynsing, Wahiajer in West Jaintia Hills, Basaiamoit referred to an alleged invitation from Dhar and said, “If what I heard is correct and if I have not misunderstood, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has invited me to contest from Nartiang. If he has truly invited me, perhaps I may accept it. It will be more interesting.”

He added that if he enters the fray, the election would symbolise a fight between a poor man and a rich man.

“I may not have wealth or resources, but I already feel assured that the love of the people will prevail,” he asserted.

The remarks come after Dhar, a four-time legislator from Nartiang, welcomed anyone to contest against him in 2028. Responding to speculation about VPP fielding a candidate, Dhar had said on Friday, “Anybody is welcome, no problem. It is open for anyone even from outside the constituency to contest.”

On the possibility of Basaiamoit contesting, Dhar had remarked, “If he comes to contest, (Contd on P-7)