The political landscape of Assam recently lost one of its most towering figures. On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the residence of the late Kabindra Purkayastha in Silchar. The visit served as a solemn tribute to a man often described as the “patriarch” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Northeast India. Following Purkayastha’s passing on January 7 at the age of 94, the Chief Minister’s presence in Silchar underscored the immense impact the veteran leader had on the state’s socio-political fabric.
Read More: Tripura’s Path to Prosperity: A Humanitarian Governance Model
Honoring the Legacy of Kabindra Purkayastha in Silchar
During his visit, Dr. Sarma met with the bereaved family, including Purkayastha’s son, Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha. The Chief Minister offered floral tributes and spent time recalling the veteran’s journey from a grassroots worker to a Union Minister. He noted that the life of Kabindra Purkayastha in Silchar was a testament to “Seva Bhav” or the spirit of service.
Writing on social media after the visit, the Chief Minister remarked that Purkayastha was “an institution in himself.” He credited the late leader with laying the very foundation of the BJP in the Barak Valley. At a time when the party faced significant ideological and organizational hurdles in the Northeast, Purkayastha’s disciplined leadership helped the saffron party strike deep roots.
A Life Dedicated to Values and Simplicity
Kabindra Purkayastha was born in 1931 in the Sylhet district of undvided India. After the partition, he moved to Silchar and eventually joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1951. His transition into active politics saw him resign from his position as a school principal to dedicate himself to the party. This transition defined the political identity of Kabindra Purkayastha in Silchar, where he was respected across party lines for his intellectual depth and simplicity.
- Three-Time MP: He represented the Silchar Lok Sabha constituency in 1991, 1998, and 2009.
- Union Minister: He served as the Minister of State for Communication in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government (1998-1999).
- Social Worker: Beyond politics, he was a vocal advocate for Hindu refugees and local educational development.
The Chief Minister highlighted these milestones, stating that Purkayastha’s legacy cannot be measured merely by the offices he held. Instead, his true impact lies in the generations of Karyakartas (workers) he mentored.
Mentorship and the Growth of BJP in Assam
The tribute to Kabindra Purkayastha in Silchar also focused on his role as a bridge between the old guard and the new leadership of the BJP. Dr. Sarma recalled his personal associations with the veteran, describing him as a reassuring presence during turbulent political times. He emphasized that Purkayastha showed the youth that politics is fundamentally about values and taking care of the community as a family.
His victory in 1991 was particularly significant. It marked the first-ever parliamentary win for the BJP in the Northeast. This breakthrough proved that the party’s ideology could resonate with the people of Assam. Consequently, the foundations he built allowed the party to eventually form a government in the state decades later.
Final Farewells and National Recognition
The passing of the veteran leader drew condolences from the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also expressed deep grief. They recognized him as a pioneer of the party in the East. While the state accorded him full military honors during his cremation on January 8, the visit by CM Sarma on Tuesday provided a more personal closure for the political family of Assam.
The Chief Minister’s visit to the home of Kabindra Purkayastha in Silchar served as a reminder that though individuals may pass away, the institutions they build remain. For the people of Barak Valley and the workers of the BJP, Purkayastha will always be remembered as the “Grand Old Man” who brought a healing touch to the region’s politics.
Conclusion: An Enduring Inspiration
As Assam moves toward a new era of development, the ideals of Kabindra Purkayastha continue to serve as a guiding light. His life showed that one can reach the highest corridors of power while maintaining the simplicity of a school teacher. The tribute by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma ensures that the story of Kabindra Purkayastha in Silchar remains etched in the collective memory of the state.
The veteran’s journey from the lanes of Silchar to the Parliament of India remains a blueprint for selfless service. His commitment to the welfare of the people and his unwavering ideological clarity have left a void that will be difficult to fill.
Read More: Howrah-Anand Vihar Amrit Bharat Weekly Express: New Stoppages in Bihar Announced