Shillong July 9: Following the demise of its president, Dr Donkupar Roy Dkhar, the United Democratic Party (UDP), has decided to entrust senior most leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, Bindo M. Lanong to lead the party.

The UDP took this decision at the special Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting held at MLA Hostel on Friday evening.

Lanong will lead the party till the upcoming general council to be held in Shillong on September 11 to new office bearers of the CEC.

Dr Donkupar was UDP president since 2004 till his death on July 28. He also held post of Assembly Speaker from March 12, 2018 till his death.

Dr Donkupar was elected as MLA of Shella Assembly constituency for the seventh consecutive terms since 1988.

During the meeting, the UDP leaders decided to also visit Williamnagar in East Garo Hills district for reorganizing the party in Garo Hills on August 17.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, UDP general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh said that in the absence of the president, Lanong by virtue of being the senior most leader, has to lead the party.

Lanong said at present the existing set up of the CEC will continue to function till the new office bearers are elected.

An organizing committee for holding the general council was constituted to be headed by Metbah Lyngdoh who is the UDP legislator from Mairang constituency.

On Speaker’s post to replace late Dr Donkupar, Mawthoh said that matter to the UDP legislature party where the six MLAs of the UDP along with two Independent MLAs – Samuel Sangma and S.K. Sun – who are associate members to take a call.