Agartala: Tripura Legislative Assembly Speaker Biswabandhu Sen passed away on Friday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru after a prolonged illness. He was 72.
Sen had been under medical care for several months. According to doctors, he had earlier undergone a decompressive craniotomy in Tripura following a left thalamocapsular bleed with intraventricular extension.
After being shifted to Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, he was placed on ventilator support with stable vital signs. A subsequent CT scan revealed hydrocephalus and raised intracranial pressure, necessitating an emergency right frontal external ventricular drain placement along with a tracheostomy.
Though his family had earlier stated that he was responding to medication, his condition deteriorated and he breathed his last on Friday.
Leaders across the political spectrum expressed deep grief over his demise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a social media post, said Sen would be remembered for his efforts towards Tripura’s development and his commitment to social causes. The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and admirers.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also condoled Sen’s death, saying in a social media message that the veteran leader would be remembered for his selfless service to the people.
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha termed Sen’s passing an irreparable loss to the state. In a condolence message, the Chief Minister said Tripura had lost a distinguished public representative whose contributions to public life would be remembered for a long time.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and courage for them to bear the loss, while also offering prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Several other leaders cutting across party lines also expressed condolences.
Biswabandhu Sen began his political career with the Indian National Congress before later joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was serving as the 11th Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, having assumed office on June 21, 2018.
A four-time legislator from the Dharmanagar Assembly constituency in North Tripura district, Sen was widely respected for his calm demeanour, administrative acumen and adherence to legislative traditions. His death has left a significant void in Tripura’s political and legislative circles.
He is survived by his wife, a daughter, a son and a large number of admirers.