SHILLONG: CLP leader and former chief minister Mukul Sangma, who had a long association with veteran leader DD Lapang, has denied AICC ignoring senior leaders and downplayed his exit by saying the party has no dearth of leaders.
Lapang had cited AICC president Rahul Gandhi phasing out elderly leaders as the reason for his exit from the party.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Sangma said the AICC gives responsibilities to senior leaders and cited that the North East Congress Coordination Committee has senior members.
Sangma also downplayed the question of negative impact on the Congress after Lapang’s exit. “Leaders come and go. After the exit of a leader, another leader emerges like in the case of Moses and Joshua,” he said.
The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee is still awaiting the AICC’s direction on the veteran leader’s resignation. State Congress chief Celestine Lyngdoh said on Friday there was no communication from the high command so far.
Lapang resigned more than a week ago.
To a question on the actual motive of Lapang quitting the party, Sangma said time will reveal the reason.
Sangma also refused to reply to a question on whether Lapang will join NPP or any other political party. “People will soon come to know about it,” he only said.
Lapang adamant
Sangma said Lapang remained adamant though he had spent almost one hour with the leader in Delhi to convince him to reconsider his decision.
“He repeatedly said no and he remained adamant,” Sangma said.
The MPCC chief too said on Friday that “Lapang’s body language” showed he would not return.
Lyngdoh too denied allegations of ignoring senior leaders saying “the leaders who are being allegedly phased out in the party are actively working in New Delhi”.
He reminded all that Lapang did not contest the last election due to poor health and he blessed the new MLA from Nongpoh Mayralborn Syiem.
