I am ready to step down if party wants: Lapang

Shillong, May 01 (UNI) Chief Minister D D Lapang today said he was ready to step down if the Congress high command or the majority of his party colleagues desired so.

Mr Lapang said this while reacting to reports that some MLAs of his party were initiating a signature campaign to oust him from the post of Chief Minister.

''If such an initiative is taking place, I welcome it. In a democratic process, no one can use an organisation as a private property. If the AICC directs me to step down, I will do that,'' he told newsmen here today after attending a cabinet meeting.

The Chief Minister said there would be a scope for an expansion of his ministry if the Centre takes adequate measures.

''The central government has been considering enhancing the size of the ministries in the smaller states and there is an idea of bringing an amendment bill in the coming parliamentary session .

Expansion would be done only after that,'' said Mr Lapang.

UNI SG KK AB CH RN2046