Shillong: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh led floral tributes for former Speaker Purno A. Sangma on Tuesday. The ceremony took place at Samvidhaan Sadan. Dignitaries, MPs, and Sangma’s son James Sangma attended the event to mark the leader's birth anniversary.
Sangma started his career in 1977. He served as a Union Minister and Chief Minister of Meghalaya. In 1996, members unanimously elected him Speaker of the 11th Lok Sabha. He was the first opposition member to hold the role. Attendees praised his deep knowledge of parliamentary procedure.
"Sangma’s mastery of parliamentary rules and his commitment to the dignity of the House" defined his career. A nine-term MP, he fought for tribal rights and the development of the Northeast. Sangma died on March 4, 2016.
His portrait hangs in the outer lobby of the Samvidhaan Sadan today. Artist Vijender Sharma painted the piece. Former President Pranab Mukherjee revealed the portrait in 2014.
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