Former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma passes away

04 March, New Delhi

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma died of heart attack at his residence here today.

He was 68.Dr Sangma was the Lok Sabha Speaker between 1996 and 1998.

Sangma was sitting member of Lok Sabha from Tura Constituency in Meghalaya. He served as the Chief Minister and leader of opposition of Meghalaya.

He served in the Union government as Cabinet Minister for Information and Broadcasting. He also served as Minister of State of Home Affairs, Labour, Commerce and Coal. He also contested the presidential election in 2012.

He was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times since his first entry to the Lower House in 1977.

He had also served as Meghalaya chief minister.

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till March 8 as a mark of respect to the departed leader.