Meghalaya, September 14: Former Meghalaya Chief Minister Donwa Dethwelson Lapang on Thursday resigned from Congress. Lapang was associated with the party for over four decades. While quitting the party, he wrote a letter to Rahul Gandhi and pointed out that senior leaders are being sidelined in the party.

Mr DD Lapang has lost only once in Meghalaya assembly elections and has been representing Nongpoh constituency since 1972. The Congress party removed him as its state chief last year. Arrest Warrant Against Chandrababu Naidu, 15 Others in 2010 TDP Babli Project Agitation Case

In his resignation letter to Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the veteran leader said that the party considers seniors as no longer useful.

"In my opinion, it means that their (senior and elderly party leaders) service and contribution are no longer useful to the party. Since the spirit and enthusiasm to work for the people are still burning inside me, this restriction frustrated and compelled me to be no longer comfortable to be in the party," Mr Lapang said.

"With my present age and health condition, I have decided to continue serving the people of the country, my state and its people in the same manner wherever I am," he said. "Therefore, reluctantly and with my heavy heart, I would discontinue my dedication towards the Congress party and I tender my resignation with immediate effect."

The five-time Chief Minister of Meghalaya didn't contest general elections in February 2018 but campaigned for the Congress. The consequence of his resignation from the Congress is tricky to predict as he was no longer the state party chief.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2018 11:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).