Guwahati: Kabindra Purkayastha, a veteran leader in Assam and one of the founding figures of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), passed away on Wednesday evening around 5:00 pm at Silchar Medical College and Hospital.
He was 94.
A former Union Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, Purkayastha was instrumental in establishing the BJP in Assam and across the Northeast.
He worked as a teacher before entering politics, which built in him a strong sense of service and dedication.
His death has left a deep sense of loss across political circles and beyond. Following the news, party leaders, workers, and well-wishers gathered at Silchar Medical College to pay their respects.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over Purkayastha’s passing, praising his life and contributions. On X (formerly Twitter), Sarma described him as an “institution in himself” and called him an inspiration for generations of party workers. He also referred to Purkayastha as a “prolific intellectual” and a “committed karyakarta,” highlighting his role in shaping the BJP in the region and making it Assam’s preferred political party.
Recalling Purkayastha’s journey from the streets of Silchar to the halls of Parliament, Sarma emphasized his constant focus on public welfare and advocacy for Assam and the Northeast. “For us karyakartas, he was not only a people’s representative but also a mentor, an elder, a reassuring presence who showed that politics is about values, simplicity, service and above all taking care of each other as family members,” he wrote.
The Chief Minister added that Purkayastha’s legacy should not be measured only by the positions he held but by the principles he lived by.
He noted that Purkayastha supported displaced Hindu refugees and worked for Assam’s development, reflecting a strong commitment to public service.
Sarma said Purkayastha’s death is a great loss and that he would always remember his long association with the veteran leader.
The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to Purkayastha’s son, Kanad Purkayastha, his family, and everyone who admired him.