Chatterjee began his career as a lawyer and joined active politics in 1968, when he became a member of the CPI-M. His ascendance in national politics began with his election to the Lok Sabha in 1971. Since then, he has served as a member in all successive Lok Sabhas, getting elected for the 10th time in 2004 to the current Lok Sabha.
From 1989 till 2004, he was the Leader of the CPI-M in the Lok Sabha. His repeated victories in Lok Sabha elections with impressive margins testify to his popularity with the masses.
In recognition of his immense and invaluable contribution in the strengthening of the parliamentary system, he was conferred the 'Outstanding Parliamentarian Award' in 1996. He currently represents the Bolpur constituency in West Bengal.
The ex-CPM leader's debating skills, clear understanding of national and international issues, command over the language and the wit and humour with which he presents his viewpoints in the House make him an eminent parliamentarian, who is heard by the House with rapt attention.
On June 4, 2004, Chatterjee was elected Speaker of the 14th Lok Sabha, creating history. For the first time, it was electing the Speaker pro-tem as Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
It was Chateerjee who took the initiative to telecast live proceedings of the 'Zero Hour' in 2004. He believed that the move was in recognition of the people's right to know and was not aimed at disciplining the members, nor did he think it would expose Parliament to criticism. To provide a more comprehensive media coverage of Parliamentary proceedings, a 24-hour Lok Sabha television channel became operational from July, 2006.
Image: Somnath Chatterjee speaks to the media the day he was elected speaker. Also seen is the then parliamentary affairs minister Ghulam Nabi Azad | Photograph: B Mathur/REUTERS
Also see: He had no backers in CPM
Advertisement
