04 March,2016 11:57 AM IST | | IANS
Former Lok Sabha speaker P. A. Sangma died of a heart attack on Friday morning. He was 68 years old
New Delhi: Former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma died of a heart attack In New Delhi on Friday. He was 68.
Parliament sources said the end came this morning after he suffered a heart attack.
P.A Sangma. File pic
Born on September 1, 1947 in village Chapahati in the picturesque West Garo Hills District of Meghalaya, Sangma grew up in the small tribal village and struggled hard to rise in life.
After completing his graduation from St Anthony's College, he went to Dibrugarh University in Assam for his Masters degree in International Relations. Subsequently, he also obtained a degree in Law.
A Congressman who was one of the founding members of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was expelled from it in July 2012 when he refused to accept his party's decision to quit the race for India's President. In January 2013, he had formed the National People's Party.
Sangma's tenure as Lok Sabha Speaker "is unforgettable. His down-to-earth personality and affable nature endeared him to many," he said, adding 'Sangmaji was deeply influenced by Netaji Bose.'
Sangma was a nine-time member of Lok Sabha and the Speaker in the 11th Lok Sabha. He had also held important portfolios in the central government. He was also the Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990 and Leader of Opposition in the assembly from 1990 to 1991.
