Arguably Assam’s tallest political leader, Congress stalwart Tarun Gogoi passed away at 86 after suffering from COVID related complications. He was six time Lok Sabha MP and a three -time Chief Minister till 2016. He was in hospital for the last three months.
The mortal remains of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi will be cremated on Thursday in Guwahati, state Congress chief Ripun Bora said.
Briefing the press at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital where Gogoi breathed last on Monday, Bora said the body will be taken to his official residence at Dispur from the hospital on Tuesday morning.
“The doctors will complete necessary medical formalities in the night to prepare the body for keeping it safe for three days,” said Bora, a Rajya Sabha MP.
After that, Gogoi’s body will be taken to state secretariat Janata Bhawan where he sat for 15 years as the chief minister, and then to state Congress headquarters Rajiv Bhawan around 3.30 pm.
As soon as the news of Tarun Gogoi’s death broke, Leaders across party lines paid their rich tributes recalling his immense contribution
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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. pic.twitter.com/H6F6RGYyT4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 23, 2020
Amit Shah, Union Home Minister
Anguished to learn about the passing away of veteran leader and former Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Tarun Gogoi ji. May almighty give his family the strength to bear this tragic loss. My condolences with his family and followers. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 23, 2020
Rahul Gandhi, Former Congress president
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. pic.twitter.com/jTMfSyAJ6J
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 23, 2020
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP
Deeply saddened by Tarun Gogoiji’s passing. I had the privilege of knowing him for some 15 years&had the highest respect for him. I fondly recall his gracious welcome on my two visits to him in Assam. Profound condolences to @GauravGogoiAsm on his loss. We all share in his grief. pic.twitter.com/4JZW6T84XT
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 23, 2020
Sachin Pilot, Congress leader
Extremely saddened to learn about the demise of Former Chief Minister of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi Ji.
True son of the soil and a popular leader. His contributions will be remembered fondly.
May the departed soul find peace,
my condolences to @GauravGogoiAsm & the entire family?— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) November 23, 2020
Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Assam
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. pic.twitter.com/GFiAsmc4FB
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) November 23, 2020
Tarun Gogoi was a people’s leader who had great contribution in Assam’s political and public sphere. Even though we were in Opposition parties, we shared a wonderful rapport and he was a guiding figure. My deepest condolences to his family and well-wishers. @GauravGogoiAsm pic.twitter.com/5x41EFwyuy
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) November 23, 2020
Along with thousands at GMCH, offered my last shraddhanjali to the mortal remains of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi da.
I join the people of Assam in mourning the loss of a great leader. pic.twitter.com/oDYRvV9LbP
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) November 23, 2020
Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP leader, finance Minister, Health & Family Welfare, PWD, Transformation & Development
A man of grand vision & extraordinary passion, Sri Tarun Gogoi was an intensely people’s man, focused on progress & enjoyed support of all . I was lucky to have worked under him. He rescued Assam from a period of darkness & led it for 15 yrs ensuring a new phase of development pic.twitter.com/Ans8UUgNFs
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 23, 2020
Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister
Anguished by the demise of Assam’s former Chief Minister, Shri Tarun Gogoi ji. Blessed with a warm personality he made notable contribution to Assam’s development and public life. My heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti!
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 23, 2020
I shared very warm and personal relations with him, inspite of coming from different political parties. He was known for his friendships cutting across party lines. He made a mark as an effective administrator. My tributes to Shri Tarun Gogoi ji.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 23, 2020
Kiren Rijiju, Mos Youth Affairs and Sports
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. pic.twitter.com/5fWqMEHJn9— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 23, 2020
Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister
Just heard of the passing away of Shri. Tarun Gogoi, former Chief Minister of Assam. Elected several times to the Lok Sabha, and was an experienced leader. My prayers that the Almighty give strength to @GauravGogoiAsm and all his loved ones to bear the loss.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) November 23, 2020
Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister Odisha
Deeply saddened to know the passing away of former Chief Minister of Assam, #TarunGogoi. He was very popular leader and will always be remembered for his commitment to the development of North East. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved family and followers. RIP
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) November 23, 2020
Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Law Minister
Sad to learn about the demise of Tarun Gogoi- former Chief Minister of Assam and ex Union Minister. He left a mark in public life. My sincere condolences.
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) November 23, 2020