PTI
NEW DELHI, MARCH 4
Former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma, who had a chequered political career in which he constantly shifted allegiance in the last two decades, died here on Friday following a massive heart attack.
68-year-old Sangma, who was elected nine times to Lok Sabha from Tura in Meghalaya and who became the first Speaker from the North East, breathed his last here this morning.
The news of his death was broken by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who made obituary reference to him and adjourned the house for the day as a mark of respect.
Later setting aside protocol, the Rajya Sabha also adjourned after lunch for members to pay homage to Sangma, whose body will be taken to his home in Meghalaya.
Sangma leaves his wife Sorodini, two sons–Conrad, a former finance minister in Meghalaya, James, a sitting MLA, and daughter Agatha, who was the youngest minister in Manmohan Singh’s ministry when she was inducted in 2009.
In the 11th Lok Sabha, shortage of numbers forced the BJP to accept Congress candidate Sangma as Speaker after Atal Bihari Vajpayee was sworn-in as Prime Minister at the head of a short-lived 13 day government.
An affable and convivial personality, Sangma had friends across parties. After a long stint in the Congress when he became a minister of state in the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1984, he later rose to become the Labour minister in Narasimha Rao’s Cabinet.
Sangma was among those who rose in revolt against Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origins in 1999 along with Sharad Pawar and Tariq Anwar to form the Nationalist Congress Party, which he left to join Trinamool Congress.
Later, he split with the TMC and formed his own National People’s Party on whose ticket he was elected to the current 16th Lok Sabha.
In 2012, Sangma exited from NCP to become the official candidate of BJP against Pranab Mukherjee in the Presidential elections.
He was also the Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990 and Leader of Opposition in the assembly from 1990 to 1991.
While expressing deep grief over Sangma’s passing away, Mahajan said he knew how to run the House with a smile and “I learnt this from him.” “A man of masses, Sangma strove relentlessly for the amelioration of the marginalised sections,” the Speaker said.
M’laya announces 7-day state mourning
Meghalaya government today announced a seven-day state mourning following the demise of National People’s Party founder late Purno Agitok Sangma.Speaker Abu Taher Mondal broke the news of his demise immediately after the Governor’s address on the first day of the Budget session, shocking everyone present in the House.
“One of the stalwarts of this House and who is also a member of the Lok Sabha (P A Sangma) passed away this morning in New Delhi,” Mondal said.
The Speaker also cut short today’s session and announced adjournment of the House till the day of his funeral to facilitate and ensure that all members attend it as proposed by the Chief Minister.
Expressing shock at the news, an emotional Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said he is “perturbed and deeply grieved” the loss of a leader in the capacity of P A Sangma. He said he had directed the Chief Secretary to keep in constant touch with the ‘Meghalaya House’ in New Delhi and the family to facilitate any arrangements required by the family members.
He also said that the state government has declared a seven days of state mourning to honour the great politician whose demise left an “irreplaceable loss” to the state. Recalling P A Sangma‘s contribution, Mukul said, “No leader from this part of the country has achieved this extra-ordinary innings in political and public life.”
He termed him as an “incomparable” leader who identifies the people of the state with the rest of the country. Leader of Opposition and president of United Democratic Party Donkupar Roy said he realized that Sangma was an exceptional leader that the state ever produced ever since their first meeting in 1988.
Roy recalled the contribution made by Purno in the capacity of a former Union cabinet minister, a Speaker in the Lok Sabha and as a chief minister of the state besides as a member of the legislative assembly.
Government’s chief adviser and Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president D D Lapang said P A Sangma did have a “global mindset”.
Hills State Peoples Democratic Party President Ardent Basaiawmoit recalled how “witty” P A Sangma could be.
Acharya, Zeliang, Rio and others condole
Scores of leaders from across the State have offered condolences to the bereaved family of former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma who died of heart attack at New Delhi today. They also prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
PB Acharya
Governor of Nagaland & Assam, PB Acharya in his condolence message, described Late Sangma as an astute politician, a social worker and a great leader from Garo people of Meghalaya.
TR Zeliang
Expressing deep sorrow, Chief Minister TR Zeliang described Sangma as an affable and down-to-earth person, whose simplicity endeared to many.
The Chief Minister recalled Sangma who taught him in school when he was a student of Don Bosco High School, Dibrugarh in 1971, and who later became a mentor, a colleague in the Parliament.
“He was pleasantly surprised when I became a Member of Parliament in 2004 and said he was proud that one of his students had joined him in the Parliament. I fondly recall the days when I used to drop in to his residence at Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi and, over a cup of tea, lunch or dinner, share with him opinions about issues particularly those concerning the Northeast. A brilliant and sharp person, he was never at a loss for words or ideas and gave quick decisions and suggestions on various matters. Quick to laughter and making others laugh with him, his company was never boring and without realising hours went by when one was with him!”
Zeliang also recollected that after he became the chief minister, he had visited Sangma at his residence several times and shared with him ideas on how to run the government and give better service to the people of Nagaland, to which Sangma was most supportive and gave valuable suggestions which he always treasured.
Neiphiu Rio
Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio in a condolence message to former minister Conrad Sangma, expressed deep shock at the sudden demise of PA Sangma.
“Late Sangma was a leader of the tallest order, who inspired the nation with his extraordinary leadership qualities and path breaking achievements. He was a political mentor, a father figure and a close friend to me for decades. He has been a source of encouragement and has given me priceless advice and guidance in my political journey so far. I came to know him from the time I first became an MLA, as he was already a senior leader, and since then, we have been closely associated till yesterday.
He has always guided me with honest and well-meaning advice and I have greatly benefited from his stewardship, especially during critical and challenging times.”
Rio described PA Sangma as a vibrant leader who hailed from one of the most backward regions of the country and rose to occupy some of the most important offices of responsibility. “His political career gives hope and inspiration to every citizen and it is leaders like him, who renews our faith and confidence in Indian democracy.”
“A tribal, hailing from Tura in Meghalaya, Late Sangma proved that in this great nation, there is opportunity for each and every deserving citizen. He was down to earth, a friend to young and old alike and a man of the masses. He had the deepest concern for the nation especially for the weaker and marginalized sections of society. A man of strong principles, he worked and fought for his convictions till the last.”
Stating that his demise was a great loss for India, and a personal loss for him, Rio said the vacuum created by his passing away will be impossible to fill.
“The experience I have gained from working with him, especially in the past couple of years in his capacity as Convener of the North East MPs Forum will remain priceless. I consider myself fortunate that I have been blessed to have worked with and under his leadership. He was a great and committed nation builder. His contributions towards the cause of this nation will forever be written in letters of gold and his legacy will forever remain.”
Therie
NPCC President K. Therie said, Sangma was a veteran statesman and the voice of not only the people of Meghalaya, but of the nation in general and the Northeast region in particular. “He was the identity of the Northeast. He was a truly elite Parliamentarian and knew how to conduct the House with his wit and humour. His immense contribution in uplifting the Northeast region will be remembered for a very long time.”
“All rank and file of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee join me in offering deep condolences to the bereaved family members and it is our prayer that the Almighty God comfort and console them all in this difficult hour of grief. May his soul rest in peace.”
KV Pusa
Former NPCC president & former minister, KV Pusa said, “PA Sangma was very helpful, optimistic and championed the cause of development and welfare of the northeast. He paid special attention to young people and promoted the interest of women and disadvantaged people. He had time for everybody. We have lost a great son of India who dedicated his entire life for the welfare of the motherland and its people.”
