Lapang goes Delhi after Sonia's summon

Shillong, Jun 14 (UNI) Beleaguered Meghalaya Chief Minister DD Lapang today flown to New Delhi after he was summoned by Congress president Sonia Gandhi to discuss politics after many Congress rebel MLAs demanded ouster of "Lapang".

Mr Lapang rushed to New Delhi this afternoon after Congress Working Committee member Oscar Fernandez last evening called on Ms Gandhi and briefed her on the poltical crisis arising out from the demand of the ''change of leadership'' by at least 20 Congress MLAs.

Mr Fernandez was here recently as emissary of Ms Gandhi.

Last night, Meghalaya Parliamentary Affairs Minister JD Rymbai, who was ''accepted'' to be the ''chosen leader'' of the dissident group had faxed to Ms Gandhi informing her that he was ready to take over the mantle from Mr Lapang.

Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president Onwardly Nongtdu said, the AICC president had summoned Mr Lapang for consultation before taking any decision to resolve the inner-crisis of the party.

However, sources close to the Chief Minister said, ''Mr Lapang has been called mainly to brief her (Ms Gandhi) on the fluid Meghalaya politics''.

Sources also said that the AICC president was not at all happy with the present political turmoil in the state created by the rebel Congress MLA's.

Mr Fernandez who was here on June 12 to take stock on the inner squabble informed Ms Gandhi on the demand pressed by the dissident MLAs to replace Mr Lapang with Meghalaya Minister in charge Parliamentary Affairs JD Rymbai.

UNI RRK PC/SRC1722