SHILLONG — Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Saturday accused the Voice of the People Party (VPP) of weakening traditional institutions through its functioning in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), while also attacking the influence of social media on voters.
Addressing an NPP campaign rally at Wahlyngkhat ( Pynursla) in support of party candidate Dr D.R.L. Nonglait for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-poll, Tynsong questioned VPP’s claim of bringing change to the district council. He alleged that measures introduced by the VPP-led executive committee had reduced the role of Rangbah Shnongs, traditional leaders and village institutions. “What is the change?” Tynsong asked, saying the public had given VPP the mandate to improve governance in the KHADC but had not seen the promised positive changes.
He specifically questioned moves affecting consultation with traditional institutions. “If you completely remove the provision that requires consultation with Village Dorbars, Dorbar Raids, or Dorbar Himas, then what is left?” he said, warning that weakening village-level institutions could have wider consequences for society.
Tynsong also spoke about his own experience with social media in recent days. He said he travelled to Delhi on September 23, while Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar accompanied him and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma arrived on September 24. The three leaders held meetings with central leaders, but social media reports soon claimed that Tynsong and 22 NPP MLAs were preparing to join the BJP.
He said the reports showed how social media could mislead people and alleged that misinformation had also influenced voters during the 2024 and 2025 elections.
“I now understand and realise that social media has truly misled the people of the state,” Tynsong said, alleging that fake news had been used to shape election outcomes.
He urged voters to verify information before accepting or circulating reports on social media, particularly during the election period.Tynsong also appealed to Pynursla voters to support Nonglait, describing him as a leader with humility, dignity and commitment to public service.
Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, who also addressed the rally, urged voters to choose a leader who could deliver results rather than engage in lengthy arguments without producing outcomes.
