Tributes Pour in for Kabindra Purkayastha, a Pillar of Northeast Politics
A Legacy Remembered
Silchar, Jan 7: The political landscape of the Northeast has lost a significant figure with the passing of Kabindra Purkayastha, a former Union Minister and a key leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who played a crucial role in the party's establishment in the region. He was 95 years old.
Purkayastha passed away at 5:05 PM at the Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), where he had been receiving treatment since December 23.
He had been facing various age-related health issues, including complications related to his kidneys and heart, and had been on ventilator support for several days.
Dr. Bhaskar Gupta, Principal of SMCH, confirmed that despite extensive medical efforts, the veteran leader could not be revived.
“He was in intensive care and on ventilation. He succumbed to multiple complications this evening,” he stated.
Purkayastha was a prominent figure in Assam's political arena, known for his ideological clarity, personal humility, and dedication to public service throughout his career.
He is survived by his son, Kanad Purkayastha, who serves as a Rajya Sabha MP, a daughter, grandchildren, and a vast network of admirers from various political backgrounds.
The announcement of his death elicited widespread sorrow across Assam and beyond.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed him as a monumental figure and an institution in his own right, acknowledging his foundational role in establishing the BJP as a formidable political entity in Assam.
Sarma emphasized that Purkayastha's legacy lies not in the positions he held but in his unwavering dedication to service, values, and people-oriented politics, stating that his absence creates an irreplaceable void.
Union Minister and former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal referred to Purkayastha as a father figure and a source of inspiration, highlighting his grassroots efforts in building the party and mentoring future leaders through a life devoted to service.
In a gesture of respect, BJP state president Dilip Saikia announced the cancellation of all party events scheduled for January 8, with the party flag at the state office to be flown at half-mast.
Several cabinet ministers, including Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Kaushik Rai, and Krishnendu Paul, paid their respects, recalling Purkayastha's significant contributions to public life, his commitment to democratic principles, and his mentorship of younger leaders.
Former Silchar MP Dr. Rajdeep Roy expressed that the loss felt personal, describing Purkayastha as a pioneering BJP leader in the Barak Valley who nurtured the party with vision and dedication.
Rajya Sabha MP and former Silchar MP Sushmita Dev also conveyed her condolences, remembering Purkayastha for his dignified approach to politics and his relentless efforts for the Barak Valley. She noted that despite political differences, he was respected by her family, including her late father, former Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev.
With the death of Kabindra Purkayastha, Assam and the Northeast have lost a leader whose public life was characterized by integrity, principles, and a steadfast belief in politics as a form of service.