SHILLONG: Former chief minister D.D Lapang, who represents Nongpoh constituency, will contest the seat for the last time in the 2018 polls.
“I want to seek the mandate of people for the last time in 2018 due to my old age,” Lapang told reporters on Tuesday.
The 84-year-old veteran Congress leader has represented Nongpoh since 1972. Except in 1993 when he lost to Constantine Lyngdoh of UDP, he was elected from the seat repeatedly till date.
Asked whether he will be in the race for the post of chief minister after the 2018 polls, Lapang said, “I am not a slave to the chair.” Lapang reminded that he was the one who recommended the name of Mukul Sangma to be the next leader in 2010.
According to Lapang, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former Governor R.S Mooshahary were surprised at his gesture.
“I am not after the chair and I am ready to work under any leader,” he added.
