Former Assam CM and Congress veteran Tarun Gogoi dies 

He was 86.

State Health Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that Gogoi was pronounced dead by doctors at 5.34 PM in the ICU of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here.

“The last ECG done at 5.34 PM showed that there is no heart activity,” he said.

The body of Gogoi will be laid in state in the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalashetra here tomorrow for people to pay their last respects.

Dr Sarma said the last rites are likely to be performed in Guwahati as Gogoi’s wife, Dolly Gogoi, is also ailing.

Besides his wife, Gogoi is survived by son and MP Gaurav, daughter-in-law, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, besides a host of relatives.

Gogoi, who had been undergoing treatment in the ICU of GMCH since November 1, was placed under mechanical ventilation on November 21.

Gogoi has been admitted in the GMCH thrice since August.

The state’s longest serving chief minister had tested positive for COVID 19 on August 25 and was admitted in the GMCH, where he underwent treatment for over 20 days before recovering from the infection.  

In his political career, Tarun Gogoi had served as the Chief Minister of Assam from 2001 to 2016.

He led the Congress to a record three consecutive electoral victories in Assam.

He completed 15 consecutive years as Chief Minister of Assam on 18 May 2016 as the longest serving Chief Minister of the state.

Reactions:

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind said with the death of Gogoi India lost a veteran leader.

"Extremely sad to know of the demise of Shri Tarun Gogoi, former Chief Minister of Assam. The country has lost a veteran leader with rich political and administrative experience. His long tenure in office was a period of epochal change in Assam," Kovind tweeted.

Indian PM Narendra Modi tweeted and said he is 'anguised' to hear the death of the Assamese leader.

"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. Anguished by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted.

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted: "I express heartfelt condolences on the demise of former Chief Minister, a tall leader & our most respected Tarun Gogoi da. It's the end of an era in Assam's public life. He was so vibrant and full of life until a few days back, couldn't believe this sad news."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described him as a 'great and wise teacher'.

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

Union Minister 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. I'll forever cherish the special moments with him."

Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu posted: " Saddened by passing away of former CM of Assam Shri @tarun_gogoi Ji. My sincere condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers with them in this hour of grief."

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh reamarked: "Deeply pained by the unfortunate demise of veteran Congressman and former CM Assam #TarunGogoi Ji. He was a visionary leader and played a pivotal role in rebuilding Assam. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters. Rest In peace!"

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee posted: "Saddened to hear about the passing away of veteran leader and former Chief Minister of Assam for 3 terms, Tarun Gogoi Ji. My deepest condolences to his family, followers and well-wishers."  

(With UNI inputs)