AMN /
President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of other political parties today condoled the death of former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma.
In a condolence message to his wife, Mrs. Soradini Sangma, the President has said, “I am sad to learn about the passing away of your husband, P.A. Sangma.
He said that Sangma was a veteran Parliamentarian and able administrator who served the nation in different spheres. He was Member of Lok Sabha for eight terms. As former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Sangma was instrumental in Meghalaya attaining rapid development in many areas.
P.A. SANGMA-A man of homour N conviction
“His distinguished service as former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Union Cabinet Minister, Union Minister of State and Union Deputy Minister will always be remembered. In his passing away, the nation has lost an eminent public figure and multi-faceted personality who made immense contribution for the greater good of our country”, president said in hi message .
In his message, VP Mohammad Hamid Ansari conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved members of the family and said he joined the nation in praying for eternal peace for the departed soul.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Mr Sangma was a self-made leader whose contribution towards the development of the Northeast is monumental.Mr Modi said, Mr Sangma’s tenure as Lok Sabha Speaker is unforgettable. Mr Modi said, his down to earth personality and affable nature endeared him to many.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has expressed shock over the sudden demise of P A Sangma. Talking to reporters, she said, as a Speaker Sangma gave equal importance and opportunity to every political party in the House. Ms Mahajan said, Sangma always tried to take people onboard which will continue to inspire generations to come.
Cutting across the party lines, leaders also condoled the passing away of P A Sangma. Expressing grief over the sudden demise of Sangma, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu termed him a veteran Parliamentarian and a true nationalist. He said, as a Speaker, Sangma has maintained and set high standards in Parliament.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi recalled Sangma’s contribution as a public representative, Union Minister, Chief Minister and Speaker. Mrs Gandhi said, the nation has lost a tall leader and the North East an important voice.
Congress leader Sahashi Tharoor said the country has lost one of its popular leader. Terming Sangma as a great Speaker, Mr Tharoor said his personality was universally acknowledged. Another Congress leader Ms Ambika Soni remembered Sangam’s contribution in the development of North Eastern States.
A member of the Lok Sabha for eight terms, Sangma served with distinction as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, while leading the various Ministries in the Union Government.