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NCP policy inspired me to appoint 4 CMs: Lapang

By Raju Das

SHILLONG, March 24 � Meghalaya Chief Minister DD Lapang today put the ball in the NCP�s court, saying he was �inspired� by the previous NCP-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) Government while appointing four Chief Ministers.

�I was inspired by the policy of the previous (MPA) Government,� Lapang said when NCP strongman Purno A Sangma criticised the government for appointing four Chief Ministers.

Sangma during discussion on the Governor�s address said in the Assembly that the entire country was �laughing� at Meghalaya for appointing four Chief Ministers.

�Why only four Chief Ministers and two Deputy Chief Ministers, the government should also appoint additional Chief Minister and Joint Chief Ministers,� Sangma chided.

An angry Lapang replied: �This is nothing new in the State. Even the then coalition (NCP-led) government had three Chief Ministers. I added one more after being inspired.�

Lapang today expressed surprise why Sangma remained silent when he was accorded the rank and status of a Chief Minister while serving as Chairman of State Planning Board.

Apart from Donkupar Roy, who led the then MPA Government, Sangma and JD Rymbai also enjoyed the rank and status of a Chief Minister.

Currently in the Congress-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance government, besides Lapang, Friday Lyngdoh, JD Rymbai and Donkupar Roy enjoy the rank and status of a Chief Minister.

�If it is wrong today, why was it not wrong yesterday,� Lapang said amidst the ruling legislators thumping the desk.

Justifying the appointments, Lapang said his government wanted to elevate the status of politicians who earlier held the post of Chief Minister.

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