Shillong: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has suspended North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum for three years, citing “anti-party” activities. Along with him, four party workers—Snarbor Laloo, Imti Jamir, Wilstone Sohshang, and Richinbusiness Marwein—have also been suspended, though no specific time frame has been set for their suspension. The party stated that their suspension will remain in effect pending further decision by the State Executive Committee.
VPP Vice President Kara H Shen, in suspension letters addressed to Nongrum and the four workers, stated that the party had examined their responses to a show-cause notice issued on March 1 regarding their alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
“It is observed that your reply, rather than expressing remorse or acknowledging the concerns raised, was defensive, confrontational, and lacked any sign of regret for actions deemed detrimental to the party’s interests. Your approach in responding to the show-cause notice further indicates a defiance of party discipline and principles, which cannot be overlooked,” the suspension letter to Nongrum read.
The party found his explanation unsatisfactory, stating, “In exercise of its authority under Article III, Clause 5 of the Constitution of the Voice of the People Party, you are hereby suspended from the party for a period of three years with immediate effect.”
A similar letter was served to the four suspended party workers, which read, “Instead of addressing the concerns raised, your replies were defensive, confrontational, and devoid of any acknowledgment of wrongdoing or remorse.” The party invoked Article III, Clause 5 and Article XII of its constitution in exercising the suspensions.
Under the suspension, the members are barred from holding any position, responsibility, or membership rights within the party. They are also prohibited from representing the party in any forum or public platform. “You are advised to refrain from any actions that may further tarnish the image of the party,” the party warned.
Nongrum, one of only four VPP legislators in the Assembly, joined the party just weeks before the 2023 state election. However, he was reportedly left disappointed after the party did not support his suggested candidates for the Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah and Jaiaw seats in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) election.
In February, Nongrum and four ticket aspirants, reportedly dissatisfied with the party’s decisions, released a viral video attacking the VPP.
This is not the first time Nongrum has found himself at odds with the party. The VPP alleged that he rejected party directives on the implementation of the MLA scheme, questioned the party’s choice of Ricky AJ Syngkon as its MP candidate, and did not adhere to the VPP executive committee’s stance on tabling private bills in the Assembly.
His strained relationship with the party came to a head in the Assembly when even his own party colleagues refused to support his private bills, leaving him politically isolated.
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