Former Lok Sabha Speaker Bali Ram Bhagat died early this morning in New Delhi. He was 89. He breathed his last at 2.30 AM at Apollo hospital where he was receiving treatment for kidney and lever ailments. A veteran Parliamentarian with vast administrative experience, Bhagat was elected Speaker of the fifth Lok Sabha on January 5, 1976 when the country was under Emergency. He remained in the post for a year. Born on 7 October, 1922 in Mahandi Ganj area of Patna city, he did his graduation from Patna College and later obtained a Masters Degree in Economics from Patna University. He was also the Governor of Himachal Pradesh briefly in 1993 and Governor of Rajasthan from 1993 to 1998. For a short spell, he was the Minister of External Affairs in Rajiv Gandhi's Government in 1985-86. Vice President Mr. Hamid Ansari and UPA Chairperson Mrs.Sonia Gandhi have expressed grief over the demise of Mr. Bali Ram Bhagat. The Rajasthan government has announced a two day state mourning. All state government offices will remain closed tomorrow as mark of respect to the departed leader. The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has condoled the passing away of veteran Congressman and former Speaker Bali Ram Bhagat. In his condolence message, Mr. Singh described Mr. Bhagat as a freedom fighter, a great patriot and a veteran politician who was deeply committed to the cause of the people. Mr. Singh said that his commitment to the welfare of people and achievements in diverse areas of public service will continue to serve as an inspiration to all .