HFU appeals to Mrs Gandhi to reinstate Lapang as CM

Shillong, Jul 20 (UNI) The Hills Farmers' Union (HFU) of Meghalaya today appealed to AICC president Sonia Gandhi to chalk out the leadership crisis in the Congress party that has led to an adverse effect on rural development.

HFU president W T Jyrwa urged Mrs Gandhi that the recent change of gaurd in the state had complicated matters and there was an urgent need to reinstate D D Lapang as Chief Minister of the state again.

Mr Jyrwa alleged that the Rymbai government was indulging in internal squabbles to garner ministerial positions instead working for the people.

"Replacing Mr Lapang by Mr J D Rymbai is not the only solution and this change has shifted initiatives for rural programmes,'' he said.

He said, ''The ruling ministers are more concerned in keeping their chairs till February 2008, thus jeopardising the chances of Congress in any future elections." Citing the leadership crisis in the Congress, the HFU also informed the AICC president about the ''non-functioning'' of the National Rural Employment Scheme in the state.

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