Two Chief Ministers in Meghalaya

Shillong, Jul 4 (UNI) Meghalaya has created a history today by having two Chief Ministers-- J Dringwell Rymbai and D D Lapang (by status).

Mr Lapang, the Chairman of the Meghalaya Economic Development Council (MEDC), again enjoyed the status of Chief Minister after the state Assembly amended a government resolution moved by state Minister in-charge Parliamentary Affairs Robert Garnett Lyngdoh.

According to the resolution, MEDC Chairman enjoys the rank and status of a deputy Chief Minister. As Mr Lyngdoh was the MEDC Chairman, he enjoyed the status of deputy C M.

As per today's amended resolution the MEDC Chairman was equated to the 'rank and status of a Chief Minister', after approval from the House.

Replying to a point of query, raised by Manas Chaudhuri (Ind), state Parliamentary Affairs Minister said the Chief Ministerial status granted to the Chairman of MEDC was 'only for the present incumbent.' Mr Lyngdoh said the MEDC Chairman's post needs to be upgraded after it was decided to assign the Chief Minister's status to Lapang's post.

Last month, Mr Lapang quit as the state Chief Minister after 17 Congress MLAs lost their faith in his leadership.

The Congress MLAs elected Mr J Dringwell Rymbai as their new leader.

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