Former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma passed away in New Delhi today. 68 year old Sangma was sitting member of Lok Sabha from Tura Constituency in Meghalaya. Mr Sangma 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.<br/><br/>Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of other political parties today condoled the death of sitting Member of Parliament P A Sangma. In his message, VP Mohammad Hamid Ansari conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved members of the family and said he joined the nation in praying for eternal peace for the departed soul.<br/><br/>Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid homage to former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma. Mr Modi reached the residence of Sangma and offered floral tributes to the departed leader. Earlier in a tweet, Mr Modi had said, Sangma was a self-made leader whose contribution towards the development of the Northeast is monumental. The Prime Minister said, Sangma's tenure as Lok Sabha Speaker is unforgettable. Mr Modi said, Sangma's down to earth personality and affable nature endeared him to many.<br/><br/>Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has expressed shock over the sudden demise of P A Sangma. Talking to reporters, she said, as a Speaker Sangma gave equal importance and opportunity to every political party in the House. Ms Mahajan said, Sangma always tried to take people onboard which will continue to inspire generations to come.<br/><br/>Cutting across the party lines, leaders also condoled the passing away of P A Sangma. Expressing grief over the sudden demise of Sangma, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu termed him a veteran Parliamentarian and a true nationalist. He said, as a Speaker, Sangma has maintained and set high standards in Parliament.<br/><br/>Congress president Sonia Gandhi recalled Sangma's contribution as a public representative, Union Minister, Chief Minister and Speaker. Mrs Gandhi said, the nation has lost a tall leader and the North East an important voice.<br/><br/>Congress leader Sahashi Tharoor said the country has lost one of its popular leader. Terming Sangma as a great Speaker, Mr Tharoor said his personality was universally acknowledged. Another Congress leader Ms Ambika Soni remembered Sangam's contribution in the development of North Eastern States. <br/><br/>West Bengal Governor, Keshari Nath Tripathi and Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee have condoled the sad demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker, Purno Agitok Sangma. Conveying heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and Mr. Sangma's numerous admirers, the Governor said, Mr. Sangma knew how to run the House with smile, a subject to be learnt. A leader of masses, he strove relentlessly for the amelioration of the marginalized section. His contribution towards the development of the North-East is historic, Mr. Tripathi in his message said. Ms. Banerjee in a tweet said, "Saddened and shocked at the passing away of Purno Sangma. Fond memories of him in Lok Sabha." My condolences to his family, she added.