Former Meghalaya CM D.D. Lapang Passed Away at 93 in Shillong.

In September 2025, former Chief Minister (CM) of Meghalaya, Donwa Dethwelson (D.D.) Lapang, popularly known as ‘Maheh’, passed away at the age of 93 in Shillong. Born on 10 April 1932, he was a five-time CM between 1992 and 2010.

      - D.D. Lapang began his career as a teacher at Salden Basic School, Nongpoh, and later served in the Assam Forest Department and as a Sub-Inspector of Schools before entering politics. His political journey reflected decades of service to Meghalaya.

      - He entered politics in 1972 as an Independent candidate from Nongpoh constituency and became a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA). Over time, he held several ministerial portfolios such as Home, Finance, and Education, and also served as President of Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).

Main Point :-   (i) In 1992, Lapang became CM of Meghalaya for the first time after joining the Indian National Congress (INC). He went on to serve as CM in 2003, 2007, 2009, and 2010, though his tenures were often marked by political instability and coalition challenges within the INC-led government.

      (ii) In 2018, Lapang resigned from the INC, citing the policy of retiring senior leaders, and later joined the National People’s Party (NPP) led by Conrad K. Sangma. He remained politically active until recently and served as Chief Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya until 2024.

(iii) Fondly remembered as one of the senior-most leaders of Meghalaya, Lapang’s political legacy spans over five decades, making him a key figure in shaping the state’s governance and leadership history.
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