Political leaders in Tamil Nadu paid tributes to former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee who passed away on Monday morning.
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, in a statement, said Mr. Chatterjee had the distinction of serving as a Lok Sabha member for the longest period in India. “He used to register his views on issues strongly in the Lok Sabha. In 1996, he won the award for the best Parliamentarian. When he was the Speaker of the Lower House between 2004 and 2009, he earned the respect of all Parliamentarians,” the Chief Minister said.
DMK working President M.K. Stalin said Mr. Chatterjee was a Parliamentarian of excellence who stood for ideals of Parliamentary democracy. “I am extremely saddened to hear about the passing of Somnath Chatterjee. He was part of the golden jubilee celebration of Thalaivar Kalaignar in 2007 and was a well-wisher of our party. On behalf of the DMK, I convey our heartfelt condolences to his family,” he said.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Su. Tirunavukkarasar said the former Lok Sabha Speaker was a honest politician. “I have fond memories of being part of a group of MPs under the leadership of Mr. Chatterjee that went to participate in a conference of Parliamentarians in Switzerland and attended other events over two weeks,” he said.
PMK MP Anbumani Ramadoss recalled how Mr. Chatterjee used to pay for his own expenses when he was staying in government bungalows despite allowances being provided for such purposes. The party founder S. Ramadoss said the demise of the former MP and Speaker was a big loss to Parliamentary democracy.
“In 2008, when he refused to support the no-confidence motion against the UPA government, he was expelled from the party. When other MPs used to participate in debates in Parliament, he used to encourage them,” MDMK general secretary Vaiko said.
Tamil Maanila Congress president G.K. Vasan, CPI (M) State secretary K. Balakrishnan, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Tirumavalavan too paid tributes and recalled Mr. Chatterjee’s contribution to the country.
