Assam guv, CM condole deaht of Somnath Chatterjee

Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister Sarbanadna Sonowal and Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia today condoled the demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee.

The veteran Communist leader's stint as the Speaker of Lok Sabha would always be remembered as he took the integrity of the Speaker's independent position altogether to a new height and enriched Indian politics with his political prudence, Mukhi said in a statement.

"A prudent and towering personality in Indian politics, his death is a great loss to the country. Mr Chatterjee was a symbol of value-based politics and his long career as Parliamentarian is characterised by value and principle," he said.

Sonowal too expressed his condolences over the death of the veteran Communist leader, who breathed his last this morning in Kolkata.

"During his long career as Parliamentarian, he practised value-based politics and strengthened the foundation of democratic traditions in the country. Widely respected across the country cutting across the party line, his death is an irreparable loss to the country," Sonowal said.

The chief minister said his role as the Speaker of Lok Sabha between 2004 and 2009 gave a new meaning to the Chair.

Sonowal said Chatterjee can be considered as an ambassador who took the values of Indian democratic traditions throughout the world.

Saikia expressed his condolences at the demise of Chatterjee and said his death has deprived the nation of a towering Parliamentarian.

"Chatterjee's performance as Speaker of the Lok Sabha could serve as a lesson on how to conduct a House in a Parliamentary democracy," he added.

Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary also condoled the death of Chatterjee.