NONGPOH: In a new political development ahead of district councils as well as Parliamentary polls slated for the next year, veteran politician and former MPCC President, Dr DD Lapang is all set to join the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in the state.
This has come to light during the meeting held at Nongpoh on Saturday between Dr DD Lapang and thousands of his supporters coming from across the district which was held at his local residence at Pahamsohthri.
Hardcore leaders and supporters of the veteran politician expressed their gratitude to the present MDA government led by Conrad K Sangma for appointing a senior leader like Dr Lapang as the Chief Adviser of the Government in recognition to his contributions and service towards the state, following which they had unanimously decided their willingness to join NPP under the leadership of Dr Lapang.
This move will be a great boost to the ruling National Peoples Party in the district ahead of the MP and MDC polls slated to be held next year in the state. Also known as the father figure of Ri Bhoi, Dr Lapang’s move to join the NPP will also have a severe impact not just on the Congress party alone but to other political parties as well in the district as many senior and loyal supporters from all five assembly constituencies of Ri Bhoi have decided to follow suit him in joining NPP.
“Me and my family will continue to serve the people during the remaining years of my life, the Congress party under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi wanted to phase out senior leaders like me and others. I respect their new policy, which is why I give them Mayralborn Syiem, a young and dynamic leader from Nongpoh constituency” Dr Lapang said adding this new policy of Rahul Gandhi had cost the Congress party lost of seats in the last assembly elections which had been in the past represented by senior leaders like RC Laloo, Roshan Wajri and others.
Dr Lapang further said that there was no question of going back into the Congress party. “They have thrown me into the dustbin. The present government without asking me to join their party, picked me up from the dustbin and appointed me as the Chief Adviser of the Government to serve the people after considering my experienced and contributions to the state” Dr Lapang said adding that the Congress party cannot stop him from serving his people no matter how old he is, while stating that ‘in politics, there is no retirement age’.
“I cannot be alone; I have to work with a likeminded party where I can continue to serve my people” Dr Lapang clearly said while replying to his supporters suggestions on joining NPP while heaping praise on Conrad SAngma- led government for his vision and leadership quality which respects senior leaders like him.
Though the veteran politician did not clearly mention on joining NPP, yet all of his loyal supporters who have always stood beside him through thick and thin insisted and asked him to join NPP in order to continue his political career.
Meanwhile, during the meeting Dr Lapang also released an audio CD about his life story composed by Lansius Syiemlieh and sung by Anthony Khyriem, who were residents of Quinine village under Umsning constituency.
The meeting which was chaired by former Congress leader, RB Shadap also witnesses the presence of other prominent leaders from Ri Bhoi district including former KHADC CEM, Rangkynsai Makdoh, former Ri Bhoi District Congress Committee Working President, Minsing Makri, former PDF Umsning Zone Youth leader, Watson Kharkrang, former Umroi MDC and RBYF leader, FM Mawphniang, former Jirang Block Congress President, Najim Kharmalki, Mawhati Mahila Congress President, Mrs. Santi Jyrwa beside other leaders from various parts of the district.