SHILLONG/ NONGPOH: MPCC president and former Chief Minister DD Lapang has decided not to contest the upcoming Assembly polls.
With this, Lapang became the third leader from the Congress who opted out of the race after Deputy Chief Minister RC Laloo (Jowai) and Health Minister Roshan Warjri (North Shillong).
The octogenarian, who represented Nongpoh constituency since 1972 except a five-year break after he was defeated in 1993, announced his decision during a meeting of Nongpoh Block Congress Committee held at his residence in Shillong on Friday.
Lapang also wanted the Nongpoh Block Congress Committee president, Meralborn Syiem, to contest from Nongpoh.
Syiem confirmed the development but said he would not be able to make further comments on the matter.
Lapang did not respond, though several calls were made to him.
The five-time chief minister had earlier said this would be his last election in Nongpoh but party sources said he decided to retire from electoral politics due to old age.
According to party sources, Lapang has not been keeping well for the past few months and his relatives had also conveyed to him not to seek re-election.
Another reason is that Lapang wanted to concentrate on party matters being the state president of the party.
