Assam declares holiday in Cachar in tribute to Purkayastha
Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha, credited with building the party’s base in Assam and a three-time MP, died at Silchar Medical College, prompting widespread condolences and a district holiday.
SILCHAR- Assam’s political landscape mourns the loss of one of its most seasoned leaders with the passing of Kabindra Purkayastha, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) figure and former Union Minister, on 7 January 2026 at Silchar Medical College and Hospital due to age-related health issues. He was 94 years old at the time of his death.
Purkayastha was widely regarded as the patriarch of the BJP in Assam, instrumental in establishing and strengthening the party’s organisational base in the state, particularly in southern Assam’s Barak Valley.
He represented the Silchar Lok Sabha constituency three times, first in 1991, later in 1998 and 2009, and served as Union Minister of State for Communications in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance government in 1998-99.
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Born in Kamarkhal (now in Bangladesh) in 1931, Purkayastha’s early career included work as a teacher before he entered active politics. Over decades he was known for simplicity, organisational discipline and a principled approach to public life, traits that earned him respect across political lines.
His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders nationwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Purkayastha as a committed public servant whose contributions to Assam’s progress and the BJP’s growth in the region “will always be remembered.”
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called him a prolific intellectual and “an institution in himself,” citing his role in nurturing the party’s values and organisational strength. Senior Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also expressed deep grief, observing that Purkayastha’s lifelong dedication to public service set a benchmark for future generations.
The Assam government announced a one-day holiday in Cachar district on 8 January 2026 as a mark of respect, reflecting collective mourning and offering residents an opportunity to pay tribute to the late leader. The BJP has also suspended all scheduled activities in the state on that day.
Purkayastha is survived by his son, Kanad Purkayastha, a current Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, and a daughter. His wife had predeceased him. The last rites are scheduled to take place in Cachar district following customary rites and official honours.
