Lapang appointed as chief adviser to the NPP-led MDA govt

SHILLONG, OCT 4: Former Congress leader Donwa Dethwelson (DD) Lapang was today appointed chief adviser to the National People’s Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government.

This came weeks after the veteran political leader quit the Congress, a party he had associated for over four decades, as a mark of protest against the AICC for embarking on a policy of “phasing out” senior and elderly people.

The former chief minister was also the chief adviser to the government of Meghalaya during the Congress regime in the state.

In a notification issued here on Thursday, Planning department secretary Pravin Bakshi said, “The Governor of Meghalaya is pleased to appoint DD Lapang, former chief minister as chief adviser to the government of Meghalaya with perks and facilities under category A+…”

Under the category, various political appointees who were made chairmen of government bodies were entitled two grade IV staffs in the office apart from other allowances as specified by the planning department.

Chief minister Conrad K Sangma had earlier stated that it was a big loss for the opposition Congress with the sudden decision of its most senior leader (Lapang) to resign from the party.

Lauding the contributions made by Lapang, Conrad had also said, “…people with such a track record and whose experience and with all the knowledge can be used in so many ways.”

Earlier despite efforts made by opposition leader Mukul Sangma and other party leaders, Lapang refused to withdraw his resignation.

However, it is yet to be known whether the veteran political leader has joined the National People’s Party (NPP) or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is a ruling party at the centre.

Sources however informed that Lapang had joined the NPP and very soon he will be officially welcome into the party’s fold.

By Our Reporter