First Speaker of Delhi Assembly Charti Lal Goel passes away

NEW DELHI: Charti Lal Goel, the first speaker of the Delhi Assembly and father of Union Minister Vijay Goel, passed away today after prolonged illness.

Charti Lal, 89, breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences earlier today, a family member said. He was cremated at Nigambodh Ghat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death. "Spoke to @VijayGoelBJP & condoled the demise of his father Shri Charti Lal Goel, whose rich contribution to public life will be remembered," he tweeted.

Senior BJP leaders, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia among others visited the residence of the late Speaker and paid respects by placing wreaths at his mortal remains.

Recalling Charti Lal's services as the Speaker of Assembly, Ram Niwas Goel said that his leadership to Vidhan Sabha in its formative years (1993-98) continues to inspire the institution even today.