Tributes pour in for Former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee

[Hindustani78]

Somnath Chatterjee (25 July 1929 – 13 August 2018) was an [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India']Indian politician , though he had been a non affiliated independent during his last decade. He was the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) from 2004 to 2009.[/URL]

Born in Tezpur, Assam, his father, Nirmal Chandra Chatterjee, was a prominent lawyer, intellectual, and Hindu revivalist and nationalist around the time of India's independence, and his mother, Binapani Debi ran the home. Nirmal Chandra Chatterjee was one of the founders and one-time president of the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha.

Chatterjee married Renu Chatterjee, who comes from a zamindar family in Lalgola, on 7 February 1950. The couple have one son, Pratap and two daughters, Anuradha and Anushila. Pratap Chatterjee was practising at Calcutta High Court

August 13, 2018 10:16 IST
Updated: August 14, 2018 13:44 IST

CPI(M), which had expelled him in 2008, says he helped in 'defending the secular, democratic foundations of the Constitution'.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee (89) passed away on Monday morning after suffering a mild heart attack. He had been ill for a while after suffering a stroke in June. He was admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata.

Political leaders across party lines in the country have expressed their condolences in tweets.

The CPI(M) expelled him in 2008 for his refusal to step down as Speaker even after the Left parties pulled out of the United Progressive Alliance government.

Meanwhile, Chatterjee's daughter says: ''We don't want the CPI(M) to put their flag on my father's body.'' His Body is not taken to the CPI(M) office, reports our Kolkata correspondent Shiv Sahay Singh.

In a statement, the CPI(M) says, "Somnath Chatterjee was a veteran parliamentarian who played an important role in defending the foundations of the Indian Constitution, particularly its secular democratic foundations and federalism."

Party general secretary Sitaram Yechury says "the mortal remains will be kept at the party office where last respects will be paid to him." Mr. Yechury tweeted, "Deeply mourn the passing away of Somnath da: our former Speaker of the Lok Sabha & 10 times-elected MP. Heartfelt condolences to his family."

President Ram Nath Kovind says Chatterjee had a "forceful presence in the House".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls him "a stalwart of Indian politics"

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, sends a condolence letter to Renu Chatterjee, wife of Somnath Chatterjee. It says:

"In his death, our country has lost a great leader who always stood for the cause of the poor and the downtrodden classes of society. He was a very good orator, an exceptional public servant, and an outstanding Member of Parliament, especially in the role of Speaker of Lok Sabha, which made him eligible for the "Outstanding Parliamentarian Award.

"His ability and personality was such that people from all walks of life and from all political parties loved and respected Shri Chatterjee. His services to the nation will be remembered for many years to come. I write to convey to you and other members of your family my heartfelt condolences on this bereavement."

Current Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, in a tearful tribute, says Mr. Chatterjee was like a "elder brother" to her. "Somnath Da (Chatterjee) was a big brother to me. Our ideology was different but still, from the time I entered Parliament in '89, I used to see how he used to raise issues while following every rule. His tenure as a Speaker was a guidance for me."

Congress president Rahul Gandhi describes him as "an institution":

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says: "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"

The Congress remembers him as a "tough but fair Lok Sabha Speaker".

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala: "Deeply saddened by the passing away of SomnathChatterjee ji. As a Speaker, he stood like a rock to defend our best Parliamentary traditions, elevated its office with utmost dignity, goodwill and bipartisanship. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and followers."

Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram says, "Saddened to learn of the passing away of former Speaker Somnath Chatterjee ji. Throughout his life he was a democrat, a liberal and a champion of enlarging the constituency for social democracy. When he came into conflict with his political party, he stood by his convictions and was a glue that held progressive parties together."

BJP president Amit Shah says: "Saddened to learn about the demise of Somnath Chatterjee, former Speaker of Lok Sabha. He was an excellent Parliamentarian, whose long years as a member of the House, enriched our Parliamentary traditions. My condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh says: "Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker and senior leader, Shri Somnath Chatterjee. An erudite & seasoned parliamentarian, Somnathda was known for value based politics. He rose above partisan politics on several occasions. My condolences to his family."

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley observes: "Condolences on the sad demise of veteran parliamentarian & former speaker Lok Sabha Shri Somnath Chatterjee ji. He will be remembered for his contributions which enriched Indian politics. He was an outstanding Parliamentarian."

Minister for External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj says she shared a good relationship with him despite their ideological differences.

Minister for Defence Nirmala Sitharaman observes: "Shri. Somnath Chatterjee former Speaker of the Lok Sabha is no more. Principled and scholarly, he played a significant role in India’s parliament. Condolences."

Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Irani: "Saddened by the demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee ji. A distinguished parliamentarian, his contribution to the Parliament will always be remembered. My condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti!"

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi: "Saddened to know about the demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri #SomnathChatterjee ji. My condolences to his bereaved family."

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says: "Deeply saddened by the demise of veteran politician and former Lok Sabha speaker Shri Somnath Chatterjee. Widely admired & respected, his death is a big loss to the Indian polity. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends & followers. ॐ शांति।#SomnathChatterjee"

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah says: "Rest in peace now Somnath da. It was an honour to have known you & to have learnt from you. The Lok Sabha was much the poorer by your absence in recent years. India has lost a parliamentary giant today."

Congress's Kapil Sibal notes: "A great parliamentarian , a legal stalwart , a gentleman to the core committed to liberal values, Somnath Chatterjee , has left us . Very few like are born . May his soul rest in peace."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called pays tribute to Chatterjee, saying: "Extremely sad news about Somnath Chatterjee ji. One of the greatest parliamentarians of contemporary times he will always be missed by this country. He will be remembered among the greatest Lok Sabha Speakers India ever had."

AAP spokesperson Ashutosh points out that Chatterjee was a "practical communist". He says: "He was a nice person, he was an excellent parliamentarian, he was a practical communist. He was one of the best speakers this country had. Somnath Da was a rarity in Indian Politics. His death is a great loss to Indian democracy. RIP!!"