DD Lapang
DD Lapanag (Left) on joining the NPP. File image - Northeast Now

Former chief minister of Meghalaya , Dr D D Lapang, who had quit the Congress party in September 13 this year , joined the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in a grand ceremony organised in a mini stadium near Nongpoh in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya today.

Meghalaya chief minister and NPP leader, Conrad Sangma accorded warm welcome to the veteran politician who has joined the NPP along with a large number of his supporters from the district at the cost of Congress.

Dr Lapang had quit the Congress recently alleging that veteran leaders like him had been systematically sidelined in the party by the party leadership and that prompted him decide to call it day as far as his long innings in Congress was concerned.

The NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government was prompt to appoint Dr Lapang as the Chief Adviser of Meghalaya government though he was yet to join the NPP formally after quitting the Congress.  Dr Lapang took his time to take a final decision to join the NPP after consulting his supporters and well wishers especially those from Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.

The ruling MDA in Meghalaya comprises of NPP, United Democratic Party (UDP), Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), People’s Democratic Front (PDF), NCP and the BJP.

Several leaders from other political parties in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya today joined the NPP along with D D Lapang. Those included former chief executive member (CEM) of the KHADC, Rangkynsai Makdoh, Ri Bhoi durbur leader, R B Shadap, former Ri-Bhoi District Congress Committee president,Mini Makri.

Meghalaya’s deputy chief minister Preston Tynsong, transport minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, NPP leaders from the state and party supporters across Ri-Bhoi district were present in the meeting today.