Congress MLA in Meghalaya Clement Marak passed away on Monday following prolonged illness. Marak was 58.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
Confirming the demise of the MLA, former Chief Minster Dr Mukul said that the MLA passed away at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi on Monday evening.
The Chief Minister while conveying his condolence to the bereaved family said that the demise of Marak was a great loss to the people of the constituency and the state. He prayed that the Almighty grant eternal peace to the departed soul.
The Leader of Opposition also conveyed his deepest condolence to members of the bereaved family, especially the wife, and children of Marak.
“We have lost him, and I have lost a personal and dependable friend, and trust worthy comrade. It is a great loss to the party, the constituency he represented, and the people of the State. In spite of his failing health, he continued to serve the people and remain responsive to the call of duty.
“It was because of the people’s love and affection, he also got a convincing victory in last election though could not campaign much. His services would be remembered and he has been able to render to all sections of people including the vulnerable groups especially when he represented the constituency which is one of the difficult and challenging areas,” the Leader of Opposition said.
Marak was first elected as member of the Meghalaya Assembly from Selsella constituency in a bye-election held in February, 2005. He however lost the Assembly polls in 2008 from the constituency to Conrad K. Sangma (he was not the chief minister that time).
But Marak was re-elected in the 2013 Assembly polls where he defeated Conrad, who was the Leader of Opposition that time.
Marak was re-elected for the third time from Selsella constituency in the February-27 Assembly polls this year. Marak had held various positions including as Minister in-charge Power, Food and Civil Supplies, and other departments during the Congress-led government in the State.
After the demise of Marak, the Congress at present has 19 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly.