Lapang may be given status enjoyed by CM

Shillong, Jun 15 (UNI) Immediately after being sworn-in as Chief Minister, Mr J D Rymbai today said his predecessor Mr D D Lapang would be given the status enjoyed by a Chief Minister and he would look after a committee to be formed for the overall development of the state, provided, the existing law of the country permits it.

Mr Rymbai said Dr Donkupar Roy of the United Democratic Party, who was sworn-in as a minister today, would be given the status of Deputy Chief Minister, while Martle N Mukhim, who was also sworn-in as a minister today, would be a minister of cabinet rank.

The newly inducted Chief Minister told reporters here that the expansion of his ministry would be held in due course of time after consultation with AICC president Sonia Gandhi, Congress leaders and MDA partners.

Mr Rymbai said his top priority would be development of the state. ''I would follow the footsteps of my predecessor to make Meghalaya a prosperous state by reveiwing the developement work,'' he said.

Mr Rymbai made it clear that present projects undertaken by Mr Lapang would continue in the interest of the state.

Mr Rymbai said he had spoken to AICC president Sonia Gandhi and thanked her for taking the right decision for resolving the political crisis in the state.

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