SHILLONG: MPCC president DD Lapang, who decided not to contest the next Assembly elections, said on Saturday that the exit of experienced leaders would not affect the poll prospects of the party in 2018.
Besides Lapang, Deputy Chief Minister RC Laloo and Health Minister Roshan Warjri had also decided not to contest the upcoming polls.
Speaking to The Shillong Times at his residence a day after his decision to retire from electoral politics, Lapang said young leaders should emerge as the future belongs to them.
Defending his retirement, Lapang said he was in favour of young leaders taking various roles in the party.
“We have to give way for youth leaders who have updates on day to day developments and who are technologically sound,” he said.
The Nongpoh Block Congress Committee president, Meralborn Syiem, who is also the party’s district president, is projected as the potential candidate from Nongpoh.
Lapang asserted that there would not be any vacuum even if the experienced leaders give way for fresh faces. To a question, Lapang said, “There is no vacuum as we have replacements in every constituency. For example, look at Mawsynram where we have Shangpliang in place of PN Syeim.”
According to Lapang, Congress will still be part of the next government after emerging as the single largest party.
He also predicted that even if the non-Congress political parties form the government, this will not last due to internal contradictions and the Congress will bounce back.
Reasons for crucial decision
Lapang revealed that in the last three terms, there was pressure on him by his relatives not to contest the polls but he went ahead and this time he respected the suggestions not to contest.
The veteran politician cited his old age factor and illness besides the plea from his relatives as the reasons to opt out of the 2018 polls.
“My brothers-in-law and other relatives, including grandchildren had requested me not to contest due to ill health as I was hospitalised,” Lapang said, adding that his wife had also undergone spine surgery.
Following this, Lapang had met the villagers, electorate and also held area-wise meetings in his constituency to discuss the matter.
He said a bigger meeting was held at his residence on Saturday to convey his decision to the supporters, including the Block Congress leaders.
“Though the supporters in tears assured me that they will make me win, I did not change my decision,” Lapang said.
He said the matter was discussed with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in the past.
Lapang will also inform AICC about his decision during his visit to Delhi on Monday.
To remain as MPCC chief
The 85-year-old former chief minister said though he decided not to contest the next Assembly polls, he will be active in politics and continue to hold the post of the president of MPCC.
Lapang said, “I like to serve in whatever capacity I can. I had left the government job as sub-inspector of schools after serving 23 years to empower the people through politics. When I lost one election in 1993, I had served the people more than the MLA who won the seat and the people brought me back.”
