Pranab Mukherjee condoles passing away of PA Sangma

In a condolence message to his wife, Soradini Sangma, the President 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," Mukherjee said.

"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," he said.

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.