SHILLONG: Non-Congress parties in the state are happy with the decision of top Congress leaders not to contest the Assembly elections.
While Deputy Chief Minister RC Laloo and Health Minister Roshan Warjri recently made it clear that they were not in the race in Jowai and North Shillong constituencies, respectively, the abrupt decision of former chief minister DD Lapang not to contest the upcoming elections from Nongpoh definitely came as a surprise for many.
BJP state president Shibun Lyngdoh said the three leaders are feeling uncomfortable in the Congress under the “dictatorial leadership of the chief minister” and they want to be out from the group.
According to Lyngdoh, the three leaders may shift to other political parties even as he added that it was not appropriate for him to talk to them and make them join BJP. “But if the Congress leaders want to join the party, the matter can be discussed,” he said.
On the other hand, senior UDP leader Bindo M Lanong said the decision of the three Congress leaders would definitely be an advantage for the opposition parties, including UDP.
Lanong also appreciated the move of Lapang to withdraw from the race because of his old age and health.
“We will miss him as he is a stalwart of the state but I congratulate him for taking the right decision,” Lanong said, adding that it is time he should relax and take up the advisory role.
NPP leader James Sangma said there may be different reasons for them not to contest the elections and their decision would
definitely have a demoralising effect on the entire organisational structure of the Congress, right down to the grassroots level.
“This (top leaders opting out of poll fray) will surely affect the prospects of any political party in the state,” Sangma said.
