India Condoles Death of P A Sangma

P A Sangma who was a jovial leader from the north eastern state of Meghalaya went on to become the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1996 to 1998 passed away today following a heart attack.

The sudden demise of P A Sangma who couldn't become the President of India drew emotional outpouring.

President Pranab Mukherjee condoled the passing away of P A Sangma:

Incidentally it was against Pranab Mukherjee that P A Sangma lost presidential race. In a condolence message to his wife, Soradini Sangma, the President had said,

"I am sad to learn about the passing away of your husband, Shri P.A. Sangma.

Shri 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. 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.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey them to all members of your family. I pray to the Almighty to give you and your family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss."

Vice President Hamid Ansari's condolence message read:

"I am deeply grieved to learn about the demise of Shri P. A. Sangma, former Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

A member of the Lok Sabha for eight terms, Shri Sangma served with distinction as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya and while leading the various Ministries in the Union Government. He championed the mainstreaming of the North-Eastern parts of the country and worked tirelessly for the uplift and improvement of Tribal communities.

I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved members of the family and join the nation in praying for eternal peace for the departed soul."

Prime Minster Narendra Modi was among the first to condole the death of the departed leader:

Mr. Modi tweeted,

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

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

Sangma ji was deeply influenced by Netaji Bose. Here's a programme both of us attended in 2012 on Azad Hind Fauj."

Here are other prominent leaders and personalities and common man who condoled P A Sangma's passing away: