GUWAHATI: Veteran BJP leader of Assam and former union minister Kavindra Purkayasta passed away on January 7, in Silchar at the age of 95. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today expressed deep sorrow at the passing of former Member of Parliament and Union Minister Shri Kabindra Purkayastha Ji. In his message, the Prime Minister said he is pained by the loss of Shri Purkayastha Ji, whose unwavering commitment to serving society and significant contribution towards the progress of Assam will always be remembered. He noted that Shri Purkayastha Ji played a vital role in strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party across the state.
In separate posts on X, PM Modi stated: “Pained by the passing of former MP and Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha Ji. His commitment to serving society and contribution towards Assam’s progress will always be remembered. He played a vital role in strengthening the BJP across the state. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed deep sorrow at the leader’s death, who is credited with laying the foundation stone of the saffron party in Assam and the Northeast. “Deeply pained by the passing away of veteran leader, former Union Minister and an inspiration for us all, Shriman Kabindra Purkayastha.
A prolific intellectual, a committed karyakarta – he was an institution in himself, someone who laid the foundation of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the region and helped it grow as Assam’s preferred political party. From the lanes of Silchar to the corridors of Parliament, from his days as Pracharak to a Union Minister, he consistently kept people and their issues at the forefront as he championed the cause of Assam and Northeast in various forums.”, CM wrote in his social media handle.
Late Purkayastha was the Union Minister for Communications during 1998-99 in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Sinchar three times: in 1991, 98, and 2009.
Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal also condoled the veteran leader’s death. He said, “Deeply pained by the passing of senior leader and former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha ji. A true stalwart of the BJP, he dedicated his entire life to building the organisation from the grassroots, setting a benchmark for selfless service.
His life was a shining example of Seva and Samarpan. For thousands of karyakartas like me, his journey and guidance have been a constant source of inspiration. He was a source of courage and devotion, a guiding light, and truly a father figure to me. His demise is a personal loss and leaves a void in the political landscape of Assam that will be hard to fill. My thoughts and prayers are with his son, Kanad Purkayastha, his family and countless followers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
