NONGPOH: Mayralborn Syiem, the first-time legislator from Nongpoh, has shown his loyalty to the Congress despite his mentor DD Lapang quitting the party and criticising both its central and state leaderships for their wrong policies.
Addressing the media here on Wednesday, Syiem said neither he nor the Block Congress Committee have anything to say on Lapang’s decision. However, he regretted that he could not convince him to reconsider the resignation. Allaying fears of a rift, the MLA said the Congress “is intact and united” in Nongpoh as Lapang never asked them to join other parties.
“We have to accept his decision though we have tried our level best to persuade him to reconsider his decision,” Syiem said and expressed his gratitude to Lapang for his contributions. “As Dr Lapang has showered his blessings upon me and other party leaders, the block Congress has nothing much to say but to wish him and all his family members the very best in his future endeavour towards serving the people of Nongpoh, the district, the state and the country as a whole,” he said.
When asked about Lapang’s allegations that he was sidelined by the AICC, Syiem reiterated that he had nothing to say and “let the AICC leaders answer this question”.
“I will never forget his good deeds and blessing till the day I die and will forever remain grateful to him as it is through his blessings that I am the MLA,” he said and added that the leaders would follow Lapang’s principles and teachings and remain faithful to the Congress.
On how the veteran leader’s exit would affect the party before the district council polls, Syiem asserted that there would be challenges and “we need to work hard as party members to get victory”.
The young leader praised Lapang for his work from the time when Ri Bhoi Dorbar was formed in 1965 till the day it became a district. He also appreciated the senior leader’s energy to serve people despite ailing health.
On UDP’s remark that Lapang made a mistake to support Syiem in the February election, the MLA said, “It is too early to comment on that. Let them say whatever they want, the people will answer in 2023. Let my action speak louder than words.”
More resignations
The working president of Ri Bhoi District Congress Committee, Min Sing Makri, and a senior office bearer of the Nongpoh Block Congress Committee, F Khymdeit, resigned from the party on Wednesday to work with DD Lapang. They submitted their resignation letters to Syiem.
Also, Donlang Sohkhlet, secretary of MPCC, also resigned on Wednesday citing Lapang’s decision to exit.
