News Desk, Assam Barta, January 7: A deep shadow of grief has descended upon the political landscape of Assam. Veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), one of the key architects of Assam BJP, and former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha has passed away. He breathed his last on Wednesday evening at around 5 PM at Silchar Medical College and Hospital. At the time of his death, he was 94 years old.
Born on December 15, 1931, in Kamarkhal, then part of Sylhet district (now in Bangladesh), Kabindra Purkayastha began his career as a labourer in his early life. Through hard work and perseverance, he earned a postgraduate degree from Gauhati University.
He entered politics and was first elected as a Member of Parliament from the Silchar Lok Sabha constituency in 1991. Subsequently, he was re-elected from the same constituency in 1998 and 2009. In the 2009 election, he defeated candidates from the Congress and AIUDF. However, in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, he was defeated by Congress candidate Sushmita Dev.
From 1998 to 1999, Purkayastha served as Minister of State for Communications in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led central government.
His role in laying the foundation of the BJP in Assam was highly significant. His contributions to the development of the Barak Valley as well as to social service remain undeniable. In recognition of these contributions, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by a university in 2024.
The news of the veteran leader’s demise has spread mourning in political circles. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed profound grief on social media, writing:
“I am deeply pained by the demise of the flag-bearer of Assam’s Bharatiya Janata Party, a visionary and compassionate leader, and respected former Union Minister Shri Kabindra Purkayastha. Under his leadership, the foundation of the Bharatiya Janata Party and nationalist ideology was laid in Assam, which has today grown into a mighty banyan tree. His contributions to the social and political spheres of Barak Valley, Assam, and the nation are impeccable and unique. His passing is an irreparable loss to our social life.”
The Chief Minister further added:
“His long journey from an ordinary labourer in Silchar to a Union Minister stands as an exemplary model of public service and selfless dedication. In this hour of grief, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, the people of Assam, and the Bharatiya Janata Party family. I pray to the Almighty for the peace of his departed soul.”
Meanwhile, the Assam BJP has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the senior leader. The party has cancelled all its programmes, including those scheduled for January 8, and directed that the party flag be flown at half-mast at the state party office.
The demise of Kabindra Purkayastha marks the end of a golden chapter in Assam’s politics. His ideals and contributions will continue to inspire future generations.
