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Leaders condole Sangma’s death, Parl adjourned

Leaders from across the political spectrum on Friday paid glowing tributes to former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing him as a “self-made” leader, who had a “monumental” contribution in the development of the North-East.

The PM tweeted Sangma’s tenure as Lok Sabha Speaker “is unforgettable’. He was “a self-made leader whose contribution towards the development of the North East is monumental. Saddened by his demise.” Modi added that Sangma was deeply influenced by Netaji. 

Sangma was a nine-time MP and represented the Tura Lok Sabha seat in Meghalaya.

President Pranab Mukherjee also condoled Sangma’s demise and said that the nation has lost an eminent public figure and multi-faceted personality.

Sangma, 68, who had a roller-coaster ride in politics first opposing Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin and later tying up with her in the UPA only to become BJP’s Presidential candidate against Pranab Mukherjee, passed away in the national Capital, following a heart attack.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders also condoled Sangma’s demise. “The nation has lost a tall leader and the North-East has lost an important voice,” Sonia Gandhi said in a message.

Sangma along with NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Tariq Anwar had parted ways with the Congress in 1999 on the issue of Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin. 

Gandhi recalled the contribution of Sangma as a public representative, Union Minister, Chief Minister and Speaker of the Lok Sabha. “Deepest condolences on the passing away of veteran leader & former LS Speaker Shri PA Sangma. His demise is a great loss to the nation,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said it is “very saddening” to hear about the sudden demise of Sangma.

Pawar also took to the micro-blogging site to express grief. “PA Sangma vibrant, dedicated parliamentarian & effective speaker. My close companion! Heartfelt tribute to him. Champion of northeast issues,” Pawar said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan announced the news of Sangma’s death in the House. The Parliament was adjourned as a mark of respect for the departed leader. The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned for the day after Question Hour. 

“He was my good friend and a great human being. The work he has done as Speaker will be remembered by the country and Parliament, particularly, the work he did for the development of the North-East,” Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said.
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