Guwahati: The Assam government on Thursday declared a one-day holiday in Cachar district as a mark of respect to former Union minister and senior BJP leader Kabindra Purkayastha, who passed away on Wednesday.
The announcement was made by the Chief Minister’s Office, which said the decision was taken by the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government to honour the late leader’s public service and allow people to pay their respects.
The CMO said the holiday reflects the collective grief of the people and acknowledges Purkayastha’s contributions to public life.
Purkayastha, a veteran parliamentarian, represented the Silchar Lok Sabha constituency three times, first being elected in 1991 and later in 1998 and 2009.
During the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, he served as Union Minister of State for Communications between 1998 and 1999.
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The Assam unit of the BJP has also suspended all its scheduled programmes on Thursday as a tribute to the departed leader.
Purkayastha died at the Silchar Medical College and Hospital due to age-related ailments at the age of 94. His last rites are scheduled to be held on Thursday.
He is survived by his son Kanad Purkayastha, a Rajya Sabha member from Assam, and a daughter. His wife had passed away earlier.
