Politicians mourn PA Sangma's death

Prime Minister Narendra 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," he said.

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

The Congress party condoled the death of the leader and tweeted: "Our deepest condolences to the family of Shri PA Sangma on his passing away today."

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted: "Shocked by demise of PA Sangma who was active inParliament 2days ago. Went to his home to condole but family still at hospital. Prayers4them."

Rahul Gandhi also mourned the death of the former Speaker as he posted on his Office of RG handle: "Deepest condolences on the passing away of veteran leader & former LS Speaker Shri PA Sangma. His demise is a great loss to the nation."

Former Lok Sabha Speaker and a prominent politician from the Northeast, Purno Agitok Sangma, died on Fridayfrom heart attack here. He was 68. 

Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day as a mark of respect to the sitting MP.  

He was 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 had also contested for the post of President in 2012 but lost to Pranab Mukherjee.

Sangma's daughter Agatha Sangma was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha elections, and was also the youngest Minister of State in the former UPA ministry. His son, Conrad Sangma, is the Leader of the Opposition in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.