By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Former Chief Minister DD Lapang has emerged as the front runner for the post of Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president.
The post has become vacant after Friday Lyngdoh stepped down owing to his ill health.
Congress sources on Sunday informed that Lapang is emerging as the favourite for the post being one of the senior most Congress members in the State.
Congress sources also informed that the names of acting MPCC president Deborah C Marak and former Congress legislator KK Dkhar are also emerging as possible contenders to the party’s top post in the State.
With the Meghalaya Assembly election round the corner, Congress sources also informed that there is a general feeling among the party leaders that the next MPCC president should be someone who would not contest the 2013 Assembly election.
“The party would be greatly benefited if it can have a president who will not be contesting the elections,” the source said.
Lapang is sure to contest the forthcoming election from Nongpoh constituency while Deborah Marak will be seeking to reverse her fortunes from Williamnagar, following her defeat in the 2008 election.
On the other hand, Dkhar is also seeking party ticket from the Pynursla constituency. Incidentally, Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong is also vying for Congress ticket for the same constituency.
Sources have also indicated that acting MPCC president Deborah is not keen to take over the leadership of the party.
Meanwhile, sources have also indicated that former MPCC president OL Nongtdu could be a viable choice for the party president’s post in view of his experience.
“Apart from the experience angle, Nongtdu is also unlikely to contest in the next year’s elections. Hence, he would be a better choice for the post as he would have enough time to devote to party affairs,” the sources added.
Another source informed that AICC chief Sonia Gandhi is faced with two options — to directly appoint the MPCC president or to order for elections.
“However considering that Assembly polls are round the corner and the election to the president’s post is a long affair the AICC supremo is likely to directly choose a candidate for the post,” the source added.