Mumbai, Feb 15 (IANS): Former Maharashtra speaker and Shiv Sena leader Datta Nalawade passed away here early Friday following prolonged illness, a party official said. He was 77.
Nalawade had been ailing for the last year and was being treated for cardiac, renal and other problems. The end came around 1.30 a.m. at the Jaslok Hospital where he had been admitted a few days ago.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
A resident of Worli in south Mumbai, Nalawade started his political career as a grassroots worker over four decades ago. Known for his simplicity, the mild mannered Nalawade climbed the party ladder holding various posts, including municipal corporator and then Mumbai mayor.
He was elected legislator from Worli area five times till 2009. During the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance government, he was speaker of the lower house for a full term between 1995-1999.