Guwahati, May 12 -- The Voice of the People Party (VPP), Meghalaya, defended its decision to withdraw from the all-party committee on railway connectivity, questioning the necessity of forming such a panel.

VPP president Ardent Basaiawmoit, speaking on Sunday, said, "Why is there a need for an all-party committee on railway connectivity? The government already understands the public sentiment, and we have clearly stated our position in the House."

His remarks came in response to the government's claim that the state would remain stuck in uncertainty if political parties failed to engage on the railway issue.

Both the VPP and the Congress party declined to participate in the committee, which the state government formed to facilitate dis...