Former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma Passes Away at 68

PA Sangma, veteran politician and former Lok Sabha speaker passed away at Delhi’s RML Hospital on Friday morning. He was 68.

Sangma was the Speaker of Lok Sabha from 1996 to 1998 and Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990.

He was a co-founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and remained a member of the Lok Sabha for eight terms.

Sangma resigned from NCP on 20 June 2012 after opposition from Sharad Pawar over his Presidential candidature. Sangma, whose candidature had been proposed by AIADMK and BJD, contested against Pranab Mukherjee for the post of the President that year.

After losing the Presidential bid, Sangma launched the National People’s Party which managed to get two seats of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in the 2013 Meghalaya Legislative Assembly elections.

Cutting across party lines, politicians condoled Sangma’s death.

Shri PA Sangma was a self-made leader whose contribution towards the development of the Northeast is monumental. Saddened by his demise.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2016

Shri PA Sangma's tenure as Lok Sabha Speaker is unforgettable. His down to earth personality & affable nature endeared him to many.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2016

Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shri P. A. Sangma. He was a veteran Parliamentarian and a true nationalist. (1/3)

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) March 4, 2016

He made distinguished contribution as a man of ideas and vision in his capacity as LS Speaker, as Union Minister & as CM of Meghalaya (2/3)

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) March 4, 2016

Shocked by demise of PA Sangma who was active inParliament 2days ago. Went to his home to condole but family still at hospital. Prayers4them

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 4, 2016

In the death of Mr. Ghosh, the working class movement & left movement in the nation will find a vacuum difficult to fill #PresidentMukherjee

— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) March 4, 2016

Sad to hear about the sudden demise of Sh. P A Sangma. A great leader and humble soul.My prayers with his family. May his soul rest in peace

— Dr. C.P. Joshi (@drcpjoshi) March 4, 2016

The sudden demise of veteran leader PA Sangma ji is a huge loss for the entire Nation. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) March 4, 2016

Very saddening to hear about the sudden demise of our colleague and Former Speaker Sh.PA Sangma ji. May his soul rest in peace.

— Ghulam Nabi Azad (@ghulamnazad) March 4, 2016

Shri PA Sangma was a distinguished parliamentarian and a wonderful human being. His demise is deeply saddening. May his soul rest in peace

— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSlngh) March 4, 2016