SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday exposed the inability of the Congress to retain a veteran leader like DD Lapang in the party fold.
The chief minister felt that Lapang’s exit is a big loss for the Congress and added that it is sad that a person of his stature was forced to resign.
Talking to newsmen on the sidelines of an official meet, the chief minister said it is sad to hear about Lapang’s resignation at this point after he had contributed a lot to the state and the party.
Sangma said a person like him should have been given due respect but “it is sad to know how a person like him had no option but to resign from the Congress party”.
“(A) person of his stature should not have been treated in that manner and nonetheless he has got a lot of concern for the people of the state and I am happy to see that he is still very active and taking up people’s issues. I think Congress will realise that it is a great loss,” the chief minister added.
Doors open for Lapang
Asked if the NPP’s door is open for him, Sangma said it is not about taking anybody and “we are a coalition which is always looking at those who are concerned about people”.
According to Sangma, whether Lapang comes to NPP, UDP or PDF is something that he cannot say as this is something that Lapang himself has to decide.
“I think people with such a track record, who have experience and knowledge, can be used. It is something we can look at and discuss,” Sangma said.
The UDP, a partner in the ruling coalition, also criticised the Congress “for not treating the veteran leader with respect”.
UDP senior leader Bindo M Lanong said, “This is the family matter of Congress but Lapang is a seasoned leader of the state. It is important to respect and honour a man of DD Lapang’s stature and experience.”
According to Lanong, it was sad how Lapang was cold-shouldered by the Congress leadership without recognising his contributions.
“The Congress is in a strong position in Meghalaya due to Lapang’s contribution and the present leadership has to take note of it. We are pained… and there should not be such treatment for any leader, be it in Congress or any other party,” he added.
