Silchar, January 7, 2026 — Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 95, marking the end of a remarkable political journey that spanned decades and profoundly shaped the BJP’s presence in Assam. Known for his grassroots organizational skills, strategic vision, and dedication to public service, Purkayastha played a pivotal role in establishing the party in the Northeast, particularly in the Barak Valley.

According to family members, Purkayastha breathed his last at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), where he had been undergoing treatment since December 23. SMCH principal Dr. Bhaskar Gupta confirmed that the veteran leader had been under intensive care and on ventilatory support. “He passed away this evening following multiple complications,” Dr. Gupta said. Doctors revealed that Purkayastha had been suffering from age-related ailments, including kidney and cardiac complications, which ultimately led to his demise.

Born in Kamarkhal village in what is today Bangladesh’s Sunamganj district, Purkayastha migrated to Silchar after the Partition of India. His early life was marked by upheaval and transition, yet he channeled these experiences into public service and political activism. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980, during the party’s formative years, and devoted himself to strengthening its organizational foundations in Assam.

Purkayastha’s work with the BJP coincided with a critical period in the party’s national evolution. Under the guidance of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he focused on building robust grassroots structures across the Barak Valley and other parts of Assam. His efforts were instrumental in expanding the BJP’s reach in a region where the party previously had little presence.

The results of his efforts became evident in the 1991 Lok Sabha elections, when the BJP won two parliamentary seats in Assam for the first time. This historic victory, which came under Purkayastha’s leadership, established a foothold for the party in the Northeast and laid the groundwork for its long-term growth in the region. Colleagues and political analysts have often noted that these early organizational achievements were a testament to Purkayastha’s strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to the party’s mission.

Kabindra Purkayastha was not only a party organizer but also a parliamentarian and Union Minister. Throughout his political career, he combined legislative work with organizational responsibilities, ensuring that party policies were effectively implemented on the ground while also addressing local issues through parliamentary engagement. His approach emphasized “sewa bhav”—a commitment to serving society through tangible actions rather than rhetoric alone.

The news of Purkayastha’s passing elicited heartfelt reactions from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of former MP and former Union Minister Shri Kabindra Purkayastha. His commitment to public service and his contributions to the progress of Assam will always be remembered. He played a significant role in strengthening the BJP across the state. In this moment of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members and admirers. Om Shanti.”

BJP National President JP Nadda also paid tribute, highlighting Purkayastha’s lifelong dedication to building the party. “I express my deep grief over the demise of senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha. He dedicated his entire life to building the party from the grassroots level and worked tirelessly for the development of Assam. From organizational responsibilities to parliamentary duties, he always served society with utmost sincerity,” Nadda said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described Purkayastha as “an institution” whose legacy extended far beyond the offices he held. “Deeply pained by the passing away of veteran leader, former Union Minister, and an inspiration for us all, Shriman Kabindra Purkayastha… Someone who laid the foundation of the BJP in the region. His legacy cannot be measured merely by the offices he held, but by how he espoused sewa bhav through his actions. The stalwart’s passing leaves a void which can never be filled,” Sarma remarked.

Opposition leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev also remembered Purkayastha for his dignified approach to politics. “I will always remember him for his dignified politics and dedicated efforts for the Barak Valley. He was much revered by me and my father, the late Santosh Mohan Dev, although they were political rivals,” she said, underscoring the cross-party respect he commanded.

Kabindra Purkayastha is survived by his son, Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha, a daughter, grandchildren, and a wide circle of admirers. His son, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude to the medical team at SMCH. “For 16 long and trying days, you stood firmly by our side. It was destiny that, despite all sincere efforts, God chose to take my father onto His lap at 5:05 pm today,” he said.

Throughout his life, Purkayastha was known for his humility, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people he served. Party colleagues recall him as a mentor and guide who took personal interest in nurturing young leaders and ensuring that the BJP’s organizational culture remained rooted in discipline, dedication, and public service.

His contributions to Assam’s development and politics have been widely acknowledged. Beyond his legislative work, Purkayastha championed educational initiatives, infrastructure development, and healthcare improvements, particularly in the Barak Valley. He was known for engaging directly with communities to understand their needs and advocate for policies that would have lasting social impact.

Analysts note that Purkayastha’s political journey also reflected the broader trajectory of the BJP in the Northeast. From a period when the party had limited influence, he helped establish a credible and enduring presence, ensuring that it became a significant player in Assam’s political landscape. His work in the Barak Valley, in particular, is credited with creating a foundation upon which subsequent generations of party leaders built further electoral and organizational success.

Despite his advanced age and health challenges, Purkayastha remained engaged with political developments and continued to provide counsel to party members and elected representatives. His longevity in public life was marked not by ambition for office alone but by a persistent focus on institution-building and mentorship.

The passing of Kabindra Purkayastha marks the end of an era for the BJP in Assam. His life serves as a testament to the power of grassroots organizing, personal integrity, and dedication to public service. As political leaders and citizens alike pay tribute to his contributions, his legacy is expected to inspire future generations of leaders committed to the ideals of public service and political engagement.

In reflecting on his life, it is clear that Purkayastha’s impact extended beyond politics. His approach combined pragmatism with principle, emphasizing tangible service to society over personal gain. His organizational acumen, parliamentary experience, and personal mentorship have left an indelible imprint on Assam’s political and social fabric.

As the state mourns the loss of this stalwart leader, Kabindra Purkayastha’s life stands as a reminder of the profound influence one individual can have in shaping political institutions, advancing development, and inspiring respect across party lines. His contributions will continue to be remembered and honored, ensuring that his vision for Assam and the BJP endures.

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