Communist veteran Somnath Chatterjee passes away

Communist veteran and former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee passed away at a private hospital here this morning following multiple organ failure, a senior hospital official said.

He was 89 and survived by wife, a son and two daughters.

Chatterjee passed away at around 8.15 am after his condition deteriorated following yesterday's "mild heart attack", the official said.

Chatterjee was suffering from a kidney-related ailment and was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition on Tuesday last.

"He suffered a multiple organ failure and had stopped responding to treatment since late last night. He passed away this morning at around 8.15 am," the official told PTI.

He had suffered cardiac arrest, systemic sepsis, renal failure along with respiratory problems and underlying diabetes, a senior doctor, who was treating Chatterjee, said.

Chatterjee had suffered a mild heart attack yesterday morning, but was revived.

Last month, the former speaker had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke.

He was under treatment for the past 40 days and was discharged from the hospital just for three days after his health had shown signs of improvement.

However, his condition deteriorated last Tuesday and he had to be hospitalised again, the official said.

Leaders across party lines condoled the death of Chatterjee, describing him as an outstanding parliamentarian who enriched Indian politics.

Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was a stalwart of Indian politics.

"He made our parliamentary democracy richer and was a strong voice for the well-being of the poor and vulnerable," the prime minister said.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi said Chatterjee was an institution and greatly respected and admired by all parliamentarians across party lines.

Former Vice President M Hamid Ansari in his condolence message said, "He was a remarkable human being, an eminent parliamentarian and a very clear headed speaker of the Lok Sabha. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family".

Condoling his death, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Saddened at the passing away of former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath (Da) Chatterjee. My condolences to his family and admirers. This is a great loss for us all".

Governor K N Tripathi also expressed heartfelt condolences at the passing away of Chatterjee.

CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said, "It's a big setback for us. Today, West Bengal lost its guardian. Its a big loss to the nation."