Saturday, June 29, 2019
Biography of P. A. Sangma:
Purno Agitok Sangma, commonly known as P. A. Sangma, was an Indian politician who played a significant role in Indian politics, particularly in the northeastern region. Born on September 1, 1947, in Chapahati village, West Garo Hills, in present-day Meghalaya, India, he belonged to the Garo community, an indigenous group in the northeastern state of Meghalaya.
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| Biography of P. A. Sangma |
Early Life of P. A. Sangma:
P. A. Sangma hailed from a family with a strong political background. His father, Dipchon Ch. Marak, was a Member of Parliament, and his mother, Binoy Devi Sangma, was active in social and political activities. Sangma completed his education at St. Anthony's College in Shillong and later went on to obtain a degree in law from Dibrugarh University in Assam.
P. A. Sangma's Political Career:
P. A. Sangma entered politics at a young age and became involved in social and political issues affecting the tribal communities of the northeastern region. He was associated with various student organizations and later became a member of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in 1975.
Over the years, Sangma held several key positions in state and national politics:
1. Chief Minister of Meghalaya (1988-1990): P. A. Sangma served as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990.
2. Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha): He was elected multiple times to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, representing the Tura constituency in Meghalaya.
3. Union Minister: Sangma held several ministerial positions at the national level, including Minister of State for Commerce, Minister of State for Labour, and Minister of State for Coal.
4. Speaker of the Lok Sabha (1996-1998): P. A. Sangma served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1996 to 1998. During his tenure, he was well-regarded for maintaining the dignity of the Speaker's office.
Presidential Candidacy:
One of the most notable chapters in P. A. Sangma's political career was his candidacy for the position of the President of India in 2012. Despite being nominated by the opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he faced strong competition from Pranab Mukherjee, who eventually won the election.
Founder of National People's Party (NPP):
P. A. Sangma played a crucial role in the formation of the National People's Party (NPP) in 2013. The NPP aimed to address the concerns of the people in the northeastern states and other tribal regions.
Personal Life of P. A. Sangma:
P. A. Sangma was known for his commitment to the welfare of tribal communities and his efforts to address their socio-economic issues. He was also involved in various social and cultural organizations.
Death of P. A. Sangma:
P. A. Sangma passed away on March 4, 2016, at the age of 68. His death was widely mourned, and he was remembered for his contributions to Indian politics, especially in advocating for the rights of tribal communities.
P. A. Sangma's legacy includes his efforts to promote the interests of the northeastern states and tribal communities, as well as his role in national politics, exemplified by his tenure as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and his presidential candidacy.