Feel like I have lost a father: Assam CM on Tarun Gogoi's demise

GUWAHATI: Starting today, there will be 3 days of mourning in Assam following the demise of 3-time former Chief Minister of Assam, informed Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The Chief Minister, recalling the veteran's guidance, said that he feels like he has lost a father.

Meanwhile, current Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who flew in earlier in the day from Dibrugarh, has expressed his deep sorrow at the death of the departed leader. "Our respected former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's demise has left the entire state in a state of sorrow. We are all grief stricken. His entire life, he worked for the well-being and upliftment of the belief. Personally, I feel as if I have lost a father as he always guided us like a father and also sometimes gave ur orders as a father does to his son. Today, we are all deprived of that love and sorrow."

Sonowal added that after being chosen as the Chief Minister, he sought advice from Gogoi and the latter had promised him guidance to carry out his role as the Chief Minister.

Moments earlier, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announcing Gogoi's demise, said that the veteran's body will be kept at the Srimanta Kalakshetra where people will be able to pay their respects to the Congressman.

ALSO READ: Assam CM rushes back to Guwahati to take stock of Tarun Gogoi’s health

Assam Industries & Commerce Minister Chandramohan Patowary has also expressed his sorrow at Gogoi's demise. "As the Chief Minister for three consecutive terms, Tarun Gogoi contributed a lot for the progress and prosperity of Assam. He was also a towering leader who had an illustrious career in national politics from being an MP to Union Minister. Tarun Gogoi was a leader of the masses. During his long political career, he always upheld the democratic ethos and values of our country. Tarun Gogoi bore an amiable and amicable personality. The demise of the former Chief Minister is an irreparable loss to our State and to the political scenario of our country," Patowary said in a statement.

It is the end of an era. Tarun Gogoi, who ruled as Chief Minister for 3 consecutive terms, is no more. Moments earlier -- at 5:34 PM -- the veteran leader breathed his last, leaving everyone in a state of shock and mourning. Gogoi was put on total life support after suffering from multiple organ failure.

People from both sides of the political aisle have expressed their condolences. National leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, have expressed their dismay at the octogenarian's demise.

"Tarun Gogoi was a true Congress leader. He devoted his life to bringing all the people and communities of Assam together. For me, he was a great and wise teacher. I loved and respected him deeply. I will miss him. My love and condolences to Gaurav & the family,' he wrote.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:                                                                  

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.