Tarun Gogoi's cook Haren Basumatary reveals that "Magur and Hingi fish dishes were his favourites"

GUWAHATI: The creme-de-la-creme of the Assamese political sphere is now paying its last respects to Assam's 3-time former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, whose passing has left an entire state in a state of gloom. One of Gogoi's favourite persons -- Haren Basumatary -- his long-time cook is disconsolate at the leader's demise and Inside Northeast today caught up with him to ask him about his enduring relationship with the Congress veteran.

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From 1995 to 2005, Basumatary served Gogoi diligently and was also with him when he was shifted to the hospital after testing positive for the COVID. "Initially, I served as his driver. After he became the Chief Minister, I have been acting as his house help."

Basumatary says that Gogoi and his wife were always very polite to him, and always had a kind word. "He was a good man -- both for us and for the people. The family loved us and we ate together and stayed together."

Revealing Gogoi's preferred diet, Haren Basumatary reveals that for breakfast, the former CM would have milk, oats, bananas, eggs, etc. "For lunch, he would have magur (catfish) made with tomatoes. He liked things cooked in a homely manner with less spices, salt, and oil."'

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Gogoi, he said, preferred to have fish over meat and had a special fondness for traditional Assamese fish dishes. "He loved the magur and singi fish dishes cooked with herbs. He never gave us any problems and never complained."

The 86-year-old yesterday passed away after a long battle with post-COVID complications at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) around 5:34 pm in the evening. Gogoi had tested positive for the novel coronavirus on August 25 last, following which he was admitted to the GMCH. In the ensuing weeks, he was in and out of the hospital, and frequently complained of "breathing difficulties", as health experts confirmed that he was suffering from post-COVID sequelae.

Gogoi's remains are now being taken to the Srimanta Sankardeva, where the people of the State can now pay their last respects to him. The popular leader will be cremated on November 26.

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