‘Somnathda’s speeches motivated a generation of Indians’: K’taka CM offers tributes

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday mourned the death of former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, describing the veteran parliamentarian as a towering figure in Indian politics.

"Somnathda was known for stirring parliament speeches, which motivated a generation of Indians. We lost a conscientious leader who fought for social justice and harmony. May his soul rest in peace," tweeted Kumaraswamy.

ಕಳೆದ ಬಾರಿ ನಾನು ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಆಗಿದ್ದಾಗ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಅಖಂಡತ್ವ ಎತ್ತಿಹಿಡಿಯಲು ಬೆಳಗಾವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸುವರ್ಣ ಸೌಧ ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಿದ್ದೆವು. ಸಮಗ್ರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗಾಗಿ ಹಲವು ಯೋಜನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಹಾಕಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಯಾರು ಎಷ್ಟೇ ಕಾಲೆಳೆಯಲು ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸಿದರೂ ಅಖಂಡ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕವನ್ನು ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಯ ಪಥದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊಂಡೊಯ್ಯುವ ನನ್ನ ಕಾರ್ಯ ನಿಲ್ಲುವುದಿಲ್ಲ.

— H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) August 3, 2018

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said he was saddened to know about the death of a gentlemanly politician who always upheld the spirit of the House with great dignity.

It is saddening, early on a Monday morning, to learn about the death of a gentlemanly politician and former Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri #SomnathChatterjee, who always upheld the spirit of the house with great dignity. Extending my deep respects to him and condolence to his family.

— Dr. G Parameshwara (@DrParameshwara) August 13, 2018

Senior Congress leader and former parliamentarian Margaret Alva said Chatterjee was a much-respected personality, who was able to bring all parties together to ensure smooth conduct of the House. 

"Former Speaker of the Lok Sabha Shri Somnath Chatterjee affectionately known as Somnathda was a much respected personality, who was able to bring all Parties together in the conduct of the House. Having known him for over 3 decades, I also worked closely with him as Advisor to the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies & Training in which he took a keen interest," she said. 

(with IANS inputs)