Nongpoh (Meghalaya), Dec. 10 (PTI): In a shot in the arm for the National People's Party (NPP) in Meghalaya, five-time former chief minister D D Lapang on Monday officially joined the ruling party.
National president of NPP and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma welcomed Lapang at a function here, and said his joining has added "tremendous value" to the party and will be an inspiration for its ranks and files.
"His experience, wisdom and knowledge will guide the party to grow further, as we propagate the agenda of raising the concerns of the people of Meghalaya and the north-east," Sangma said.
Sidelined by the Congress ahead of the polls last year, Lapang did not contest the elections from Nongpoh in February.
"I am pained to see the kind of treatment that was meted out to Lapang... The Congress party did not appreciate even one per cent of his contribution," the CM said.
Sangma said he was also "pained" by the "use and throw policy" adopted by the Congress.
Lapang, who quit the Congress in September, said he is beginning a new chapter of his political career by joining the NPP.
"I have been in politics for 50 long years and have been serving in this constituency (Nongpoh) for 40 years.
Today, I could see that with changing times, we have to also update ourselves... I should associate myself with a party that is workable and is acceptable by the people of Meghalaya," he added.
