Warring Rymbai, Lapang Summoned to Delhi by Party High Command

New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister J D Rymbai and his bete noire -- and former CM -- D D Lapang arrived here today at the invitation of the Congress Party High Command to apprise the leadership about their respective views on the present political situation in the north-eastern state.

Mr Rymbai climbed to the CM post in mid-June earlier this year after dislodging Mr D D lapang -- but he was unable to convene even for once the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting in for the fear that his minority-staus within the party would become apparent.

The Congress -- with 29 legislators in the 60-member state legislature, enjoys the support of 16 other legislators -- from the United Democratic Party (eight), Meghalaya Democratic Party (four), Hill State Peoples Democratic Party and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (two each).

Mr Lapang, along with his supporters -- numbering at least 22, camped here during July-end to press for Mr Rymbai's removal and his own reinstatement as Chief Minister.

Both the groups were expected to meet Mr Oscar Fernandes -- who is in-charge of the north-eastern states in the Congress -- and subseqently Party President Sonia Gandhi to air their grievances and seek to fulfil their respective wishes.

The state goes to elect a new legislature within the next year.

Therefore, intra-party unity was crucially important in the coming days, according to party insiders.

UNI BKS/DG vD GC1918