Leaders in Bihar condole former LS Speakers death

Bihar Governor Satya Pal Mallik and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today condoled the death of former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee, hailing him for his adherence to high political ideals and concern for the downtrodden.

In his condolence message, Mallik said Chatterjees political career was marked by probity, commitment to principles and a genuine concern for the downtrodden.

Nitish Kumar hailed Chatterjees adherence to high political ideals which helped the veteran Marxist leaders unanimous election to the Lok Sabha speakers post.

The Chief Minister also recalled that it was during Chatterjees tenure that live broadcast of zero hour proceedings began.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi recalled Chatterjees deep commitment to democracy and democratic values.

Leader of the opposition in the state Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, RJD Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti, MLA and ex-minister Tej Pratap Yadav and MLC and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi issued a joint statement recalling the close ties their family had with the deceased leader.

A statement issued from Mumbai by RJD MLA Bhola Yadav, who is with Lalu Prasad in the western metropolis where the latter is undergoing medical check up, quoted the party supremo as having expressed grief and described Chatterjee as a bold leader who always upheld democratic norms.

Former Chief Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha president Jitan Ram Manjhi also mourned the death of the former Lok Sabha Speaker.