Prez, PM , Sonia, others condole death
AMN /
New Delhi: Former Lok Sabha Speaker and veteran Congress leader Balram Jakhar passed away in New Delhi today. He was 92. Jakhar served as Speaker of Lok Sabha from 1980 to 1989 during which he contributed to the establishment of Parliament Museum. He also served as Agriculture Minister in the Cabinet of former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao.
Jakhar also served as Governor of Madhya Pradesh from 30 June, 2004 to 30 May, 2009.
Jakhar also served as Deputy Minister Cooperation, Irrigation and Power in Punjab between 1973-77 and then Leader of Opposition in the Assembly between 1977 and 1979.
Jakhar was a four-time MP in Lok Sabha starting from his election in the seventh Lok Sabha in 1980. He was again elected in 1984, 1991 and 1998.
In 1980, he became Lok Sabha Speaker and served till 1989 for two terms during which he was instrumental in automation and computerisation of the House works.
He worked extensively for promotion of Parliament Library, smartening the reference, research and documentation system of the House and streamlining information for the members.
Jakhar headed Business Advisory Committee, Rules Committee; General Purposes Committee; and Standing Committee of the Conference of Presiding Officers of Legislative Bodies in India.
In the party, he became General Secretary All India Congress Committee in 1990 and from 1992 he was member, Congress Working Committee.
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Dr. Balram Jakhar. In a message to his son, Sunil Jakhar, the President has said, “I am sad to learn about the passing away of your father, Dr. Balram Jakhar, an esteemed colleague and a dear friend of long years.
Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was a popular leader who enriched Parliamentary democracy. Congress President Sonia Gandhi has expressed grief over the demise of Jakhar.
In her message to the family of Jakhar, Gandhi said, “The Congress Party as indeed the entire nation will forever remember the contributions made by him during the course of his long public life, particularly to the cause of farming community.”
Lok Sabha Speaker Mrs . Sumitra Mahajan has condoled the demise of the former Lok Sabha Speaker Dr. Bal Ram Jakhar.
In her message, Mrs. Mahajan said, “I am deeply saddened to learn about Dr. Bal Ram Jakhar’s demise. The passing away of such a distinguished and soft-spoken leader is an irreparable loss for the nation. He will always be in our midst for his thoughts. He used to call me ‘Behna’ (sister). I recently met him as he had been indisposed for a long time. Such leaders are remembered for their positive qualities. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved members of his family.”