68-year-old Sangma, who had a roller coaster ride in politics first opposing Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin and later tying up with her in the UPA only to become BJP’s Presidential candidate against Pranab Mukherjee, passed away here following a heart attack.
In a condolence message to his wife, Soradini Sangma, the President said,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, 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,” he said.
President’s secretariat officials said Sangma was Mukherjee’s good friend and the President is moved by his death.
Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad also condoled the sudden death of veteran political leader.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and his young daughter Agatha,” he said.
Expressing grief and shock over the sad demise, Azad said that Sangma’s death has created a vacuum which cannot be filled so easily.
“He was a highly learned and committed political leader of the country who worked in different capacities– Union Minister, Chief Minister of Meghalaya and Speaker Lok Sabha,” Azad said.
Recalling his services as Speaker Lok Sabha, he said that Sangma earned the respect of all political parties and leaders by his exemplary conduct, profound knowledge and non-partisan behaviour.
PTI