The end of an era: National leaders mourn Tarun Gogoi’s death

GUWAHATI: Tarun Gogoi, the 3-time former Assam Chief Minister, passed away on Monday at 5.34 P.M at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital in the capital city and his death marked the end of an era.

Tarun Gogoi aged 86 was the CM of the state from 2001-2016. Gogoi was tested positive for COVID-19 and was treated for 20 days. However, His existing co-morbidities and advanced age had made recovery slow.

 The veteran leader, who was suffering from post-COVID complications, died after ‘multiple organ failure’

After the death of the Congress leader, People from both sides of the political aisle have expressed their condolences. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Ram Nath Kovind, several noted leaders took to their social media handles to condole the death of Gogoi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Gogoi's death and wrote, "Shri Tarun Gogoi Ji was a popular leader and a veteran administrator, who had years of political experience in Assam as well as the Centre."

He further added, "Anguished by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti."

ALSO READ: Last rites of Tarun Gogoi to be performed on November 26

Sports Minister and Arunachal Pradesh MP Kiren Rijiju said, "Very sad & extremely painful to hear about the tragic demise of very loving and senior leader of our country and ex-CM of Assam, Tarun Gogoi Dada. May God bless the noble soul and provide strength to the whole family."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared this picture of Tarun Gogoi and wrote, "Shri 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."

Rahul Gandhi further wrote , "I loved and respected him deeply. I will miss him. My love and condolences to Gaurav & the family."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, “I am grieved to learn about the demise of Assam’s former CM and famous politician Tarun Gogoi. May the Almighty give strength to his family in this moment if grief. My condolences to his family and loves ones. Om Shanti Shanti.”

Arvind Kejriwal wrote, “Deeply pained by the unfortunate demise of former CM Assam Tarun Gogoi Ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”

The Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal recalling the veteran’s guidance, said that he feels like he has lost a father.

“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.

Ex Rajya Sabha MP Urkhao Gwra Brahma and UPPL president Pramod Boro have extended condolence over the demise of ex chief minister Tarun Gogoi.

The 6th Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang took to his twitter to express grief on the death of the Veteran Congress leader. He wrote, “I express my heartfelt condolences on the demise of the former Chief Minister of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi Ji, one of the stalwart leaders of our country. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the bereaved family and friends. Prayers for the departed soul. #RIPtarungogoi #CmoSikkim”

ALSO READ: Assam Govt announces 3-day mourning on Tarun Gogoi’s demise

As as mark of respect to the departed soul, the government of Assam on Monday declared state mourning for 3 days from November 24 onwards. Gogoi’s last rites will be performed on November 26.

It was further informed that during this period the national flag will be flown half-mast where it is regularly flown and no hence there will be no public entertainment during this period.

As a mark of respect, the State unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to cancel all-party meetings and public rallies and functions till November 26.

It needs mention here that Tarun Gogoi will be taken to his official residence at 9 A.M and then will be taken to the Assam secretariat at 11 A.M where assembly employees will pay their last tribute.

At around 1 P.M Gogoi will be taken to Rajiv Bhawan from where he will then be shifted to Srimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra at 4 P.M where his remains will be kept till November 25.

His body will be kept at the Srimanta Kalakshetra for two days — on November 24 and 25 — so that people can pay their last respects to him.

It is being speculated that Gogoi’s last rites could be performed at Titabor, his Home Constituency.

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