Adelbert Nongrum Reaffirms VPP Membership, Questions Suspension and ‘Masked’ Regionalism

By - Admin 03 Oct, 2026 Comments (0) 2 Mins Read

Shillong, October 3: North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum has maintained that he remains a member of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), describing his three-year suspension as “illegal and unconstitutional” and reiterating that he has no intention of leaving the party.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme on Friday, Nongrum said he did not consider the suspension a legitimate basis for treating him as being outside the party.

The VPP suspended Nongrum for three years in 2025. His latest remarks indicate that he continues to dispute the disciplinary action while maintaining his association with the party.

Asked about the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement’s (KHNAM) invitation to rejoin the party ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections, Nongrum declined to disclose whether he would consider the offer, stressing instead the importance of remaining committed to one’s principles.

Commenting on the recent move by UDP MLAs to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Nongrum sarcastically remarked that they had fulfilled voters’ aspirations for change by changing their political affiliations.

His comment questioned the meaning of political change when elected representatives switch parties after seeking public support under a different party banner.

Nongrum also questioned the conduct of regional political parties, pointing out that they had supported national parties over the years, both in the state government and in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

He argued that regionalism should be reflected in a party’s principles and political actions rather than merely in its identity.

Alleging that some politicians were using regionalism as a mask, Nongrum said political parties claiming to represent regional interests should demonstrate that commitment through their decisions and conduct.

His remarks centred on political consistency, regional identity and adherence to principles, while leaving open the question of whether he would respond to KHNAM’s invitation before the 2028 Assembly elections.