PA Sangma dead at 68; Lok Sabha adjourned in respect for former Speaker

A top Congress leader for many years, Sangma was among the founding members of the NCP. He also joined the All India Trinamool Congress for a short while before forming his own National People’s Party in 2013. He represented the Tura parliamentary constituency for nine terms, including the incumbent 16th Lok Sabha.

Born on September 1, 1947 in Chapathi village of West Garo Hills in Meghalaya,Sangma completed his graduation in B.A. (Hons.) from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong.

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He is survived by daughter Agatha Sangma and two sons James and Conrad. The Lok Sabha was on Friday adjourned for the day, without transacting any business, after paying homage to the former Speaker.

Bangladesh Jatiyo Sangshad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was seated in the special box when the House met. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan informed the members of her presence and thereafter announced the death of Sangma.

She said, “His parliamentary skill and comprehensive knowledge of parliamentary practices and procedures earned him respect from all sections of the House.

Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences at the death.

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

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

Sangma ji was deeply influenced by Netaji Bose. Here’s a programme both of us attended in 2012 on Azad Hind Fauj. https://t.co/Jbp1emCrVe

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2016

Saddened to hear about PA Sangma. He was an outstanding parliamentarian & a gregarious & popular leader. My condolences to Agatha & Conrad

— Milind Deora (@milinddeora) 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

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 (@BJPRajnathSingh) March 4, 2016

Shocked by sudden passing of PA Sangma. Titan of the northeast, w/ down to earth bonhomie, Spkr from an era when Parlmt worked often. R.I.P🙏

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) 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