SHILLONG: Veteran politician and former Meghalaya chief minister DD Lapang, who had quit Congress earlier this year, formally joined the ruling National People's Party (NPP) in the presence of present CM and NPP national president Conrad K Sangma at a public function at Pahamsyiem in Ri-Bhoi district on Monday.Along with Lapang, several other local Congress leaders also joined ranks with the ruling party.Lapang, who was recently made the chief adviser to the state government, was welcomed into the party fold by chief minister Conrad Sangma . Conrad said NPP would gain from the wisdom of the senior leader. Deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong, who had also quit Congress last year and won on an NPP ticket, was among the politicians present on the occasion."Congress has adopted a policy of phasing out elderly leaders which compelled me to quit the party as I still want to serve the people," Lapang said, while addressing the crowd. He added, "If the need arises, I will continue to serve the people even from by bed," the octogenarian leader said.In an apparent snipe at Congress, he said, "There is no one who can stop me from serving the people and continue with my political carrier. I joined National People's Party under the dynamic leadership of Conrad K Sangma for continuing my political carrier and to serve the people in Ri-Bhoi in particular and Meghalaya as a whole." Lapang also paid homage to the late PA Sangma, who, he said, was one of the architects of modern Meghalaya.In his speech, Conrad expressed his pain over the 'ill treatment' meted out by Congress to a seasoned leader like Lapang. He added that the Grand Old Party has forgotten the sacrifices made by Lapang. "I respect him for the passion that he has and NPP welcomes him to join the party for continuing his political carrier to serve the people," said Conrad.

Stay updated with all the Latest Shillong headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.