The beleaguered chief minister, who faced a revolt from disgruntled Congress MLAs demanding a change in leadership, is likely to be replaced by his deputy Mukul Sangma who has claimed the support of over 20 of the total 28 party MLAs.
"Mukul Sangma has the majority. I met the 18/19 MLAs (Congress and non-Congress) who are in Delhi. I asked them whether they support Sangma, they said "Yes". I will inform Madam (Sonia Gandhi) about the situation," Lapang said over phone from New Delhi today.
Asked if he would resign, Lapang, who is expected to meet Gandhi later this evening, said, "Definitely, in a democracy the number counts."
Sangma yesterday rushed to Delhi with 14 Congress MLAs. Two other pro-Sangma MLAs are expected to fly to the national capital today.
When asked about the developments, Sangma said, "the matter is in the court of AICC. We are awaiting its decision."
If Sangma gets the 'go ahead' from the AICC, his government will be the fourth government in two years.
The ruling alliance, sworn in last year after the fall of the NCP-led government, enjoys the support of 44 MLAs -- 28 of Congress, 9 of UDP, two of Hill State Peoples Democratic Party, one of Khyun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement and four Independents in the House of 60.
Lapang was sworn in after the assembly elections in March, 2008 but he had to resign after ten days having failed to muster majority in the House.
The NCP with 15 MLAs then cobbled up the regional parties and Independents to form a government, which did not even last one year.
Lapang returned after a one-and-half months president's rule in May last year, mustering the support of the regional parties and Independents.
Political instability has been haunting Meghalaya ever since it was carved out in 1972 with the state witnessing 21 governments in the last 38 years.
SC Marak, who headed the Congress-led alliance in 1993-1997, was the only Congressman to complete full five years as chief minister after Williamson Sangma, the first chief minister of the state.