Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and leaders of various political parties on Monday condoled the death of senior Parliamentarian and former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee.
Expressing grief over the veteran’s death, Mr. Palaniswami said Somnath was a long-time member of the CPI (M) and had the distinction of having served as the longest Member of Parliament — ten times, in India. “He was known for placing strong views during debates in the House. As Speaker of Lok Sabha from June 2004 to May 2009, he efficiently handled the proceedings and was respected by all members of Parliament,” he added.
Mr. Palaniswami said Somnath was respected by all the Members of Parliament and was awarded with the "Best Parliamentarian" honour in 1996. The Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed the Almighty to rest his soul in peace.
In his message, DMK working president M. K. Stalin expressed shock over his death and said his demise was a “great loss” to the parliamentary democracy and India and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the CPI (M) members.
He said Somnath was an able Parliamentarian and was known for his neutral stance. He was a close friend of late DMK Chief M. Karunanidhi, too, and had upheld Parliamentary democracy during his tenure as Speaker. “He allowed healthy political views and constructive debate in the Parliament and protected the democratic values. His demise is a great loss to democracy and the country,” he said.
PMK young wing leader and Lok Sabha MP Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss and MDMK chief Vaiko too condoled the death of Somnath Chatterjee. The 89-year old leader passed away at a private hospital in Kolkata on Monday morning following multiple organ failure.
The ruling AIADMK too condoled the death of the veteran leader. AIADMK convenor and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and joint convenor and CM Edappadi K. Palaniswami condoled Chatterjee’s demise. In a statement here they hailed his public service and 'deep insight' while dealing with problems.
TNCC chief Su. Thirunavukkarasar, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran and PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss also condoled Chatterjee's demise.
