SHILLONG: The Congress said DD Lapang, who was named advisor to the NPP-led coalition government on Thursday, quit the party for pecuniary gains.
Congress spokesperson Zenith Sangma, who was the first from the party to fiercely retaliate to Lapang’s barrage of accusations against the state and central leaderships, said after the appointment that the veteran leader resigned to become the advisor and his decision came after the green signal from “the people in power, including the chief minister”.
“Lapang was in no mood to be in the Congress since the party is no more in power and it cannot provide any such position with monetary benefits and facilities,” he added.
Though Lapang had remained tightlipped about joining any party, his dramatic appointment indicates that he is expected to join NPP soon.
Sangma said he “has, in principle, joined NPP”.
The Congress MLA had earlier predicted a similar turn of events or NPP candidature for Lapang from Shillong parliamentary constituency.
However, NPP state unit president WR Kharlukhi said Lapang’s appointment did not mean he would join the party.
“A person of his stature must be respected and the position has been given to him out of respect since he is a veteran leader,” he added.
A notification issued by Secretary of the Planning Department Pravin Bakshi on Thursday said Lapang will be given perks and facilities under A+ Category.
Political appointees under category A+ are entitled to Rs 20,000 honorarium per month, hospitality (Rs 8,500), house rent (Rs 20,000 per month), free medical benefit, requisition of vehicle (Rs 600 per day) electricity charges (Rs 5,000 per month), conveyance allowance against allotted car (250 litres petrol per month and 4 litres mobil).
For furnishing house, Rs 2 lakh as one time assistance is given and for maintenance of furniture Rs 40,000 per annum is allotted.
Other facilities include one telephone each in office and at residence.
TA/DA is as per the facility allotted to Grade 1 officer.
The office staff include one each steno (grade 1 or 2), SA, PA, typist, driver, and additional driver and grade 4 staff in office as admissible. Moreover, at the residence, five grade 4 staff can be allotted.
It is the chief minister who usually names appointees for important posts like the chief advisor and Planning Board chairman.
The veteran politician resigned from the Congress a month ago accusing the party’s central leadership of adopting a policy of “phasing out” senior leaders.
Lapang first became chief minister in 1992. He was again sworn in as chief minister in 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2009. He had to make way for Mukul Sangma as the CLP leader and chief minister in 2010.
The senior politician did not contest the Assembly elections in February and nominated Mayralborn Syiem for the party ticket.
