Former Lok Sabha Speaker PA (Purno Agitok) Sangma passed away today, due to the heart stroke.

Sumitra Mahajan, Lok Sabha Speaker, announced the news of Sangma’s death in the House, after which it was adjourned for the day.

Reacting to Sangma’s death, Mahajan said that, she learnt to run the house with a smile from him. “A man of masses, Sangma strove relentlessly for the amelioration of the marginalized sections,” she said.

Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Sangma was self-made leader, whose contribution towards the development of the North East is monumental. Saddened by his demise.”

Sangma was a nine-time member of Lok Sabha and the Speaker in the 11th Lok Sabha. He even held several significant portfolios in the central government.

Sangma served as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990 and opposition leader in the assembly from 1990 to 1991.

Mr Sangma spent his childhood in a small tribal village called Chapahati in Meghalaya, after he was born on September 1, 1947. Sangma completed his graduation from St Anthony's College, Shillong and later went to Dibrugarh University in Assam for his Master's degree in International Relations. He even obtained a degree in law. In January 2013, he had formed the National People's Party.

Andhrawishesh.com expresses deepest condolences over Mr Sangma’s death.

By Phani Ch