Shillong Dec 10: Five times Chief Minister, D.D. Lapang on Monday joined the National People’s Party (NPP) in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, C&RD Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, NPP State President Dr. W.R Kharlukhi and a host of other political leaders.

A public function was organized at Nongpoh in Ri-Bhoi district to welcome the veteran politician into the NPP fold.

Welcoming Dr. D.D. Lapang, the Chief Minister said, “Lapang’s joining has added tremendous value to the party. 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 Northeast.”

Stating that Lapang was sidelined by the Congress, the Chief Minister who is also the National President of NPP said, “I am pained to see the kind of treatment meted out to Sir Lapang by certain political party. He has dedicated his service for the people of Meghalaya and the Congress for over five decades, but the Congress did not appreciate even one percent of his contribution.”

Conrad alleged the Congress of adopting a policy of “use and throw.”

“I really wonder, if they can use and throw Sir Lapang, they can do to the common citizen of Meghalaya and their party members also,” he said.

Informing the gathering that people across the country is rejecting Congress for its partisan politics, the Chief Minister said, “In NPP we respect our seniors, we respect elders and a person of the stature of Sir Lapang will be an inspiration for all the ranks and files in NPP.”

He said that the NPP has witnessed response from across the North East and the flag of NPP is flying high.

“In the coming years, the party will further grow from strength to strength. We are a party with a mission, focus and a purpose to work for the people,” he added.

Lapang had quit the Congress party on September 13, and later he was appointed as Chief Adviser to the MDA government.

Lapang said that he is beginning a new chapter in his political career by joining the NPP.

“I am opening a new chapter in my career. I have been in politics for long 50 years and have been serving in this constituency (Nongpoh) for 40 years and also in different capacities. Today I could see that with changing of time we have to also update ourselves and I find it fit that in my last political journey, I should associate myself with a party that is workable and is acceptable by the people of Meghalaya,” he said.

Lapang termed late Purno Agitok Sangma a “giant” in politics and his four children, of which three are in politics as strong branches, who are committed to take the aspirations of the people forward.

“Conrad Sangma is the son of a great national leader P.A. Sangma and we see Meghalaya in safe hands under his leadership,” he added.

Praising late P.A. Sangma for his contributions to the nation, he said, “He was a man with a vision, mission and determination. His achievements in politics will be written in gold letters and his footprints will always be remembered.”