Senior Congress leader Tarun Gogoi died Monday evening at the age of 86 (File)
Former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi died Monday evening after multiple organ failures resulting from post-Covid complications. He was 86 years old.
The loss of the veteran Congress leader, a six-time parliamentarian who charted a new and prosperous course for his home state during his three consecutive terms in charge, was met with grief and sadness from across political lines and the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the way in offering condolences, calling himself "anguished" by the news and describing Mr Gogoi as "a popular leader and a veteran administrator".
"Shri Tarun Gogoiji 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," the Prime Minister tweeted.
President Ram Nath Kovind also tweeted, mourning the loss of "a veteran leader with rich political and administrative experience".
"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," the President said.
"He will always be remembered for the development of Assam and especially towards his efforts to improve law and order and fighting insurgency in the state. His passing away marks the end of an era. In this hour of grief, condolences to his family, friends and supporters," he added.
Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor were also among those to express their sorrow, with Mr Gandhi praising Tarun Gogoi as a "true Congress leader who devoted his life to the people of Assam".
"Shri Tarun Gogoi was a true Congress leader. He devoted his life to bringing 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 (Gogoi, Mr Gogoi's son) and family," Mr Gandhi tweeted.
Mr Tharoor, a Lok Sabha MP from Kerala, said he was "deeply saddened" by the news and recalled his meetings with Tarun Gogoi during his visits to Assam
"Deeply saddened by Tarun Gogoiji's passing. I had the privilege of knowing him for some 15 years and had the highest respect for him. I fondly recall his gracious welcome on my two visits to him in Assam," Mr Tharoor tweeted, adding, "Profound condolences to Gaurav Gogoi on his loss. We all share in his grief."
Assam Chief Minister Sabarnanda Sonowal said Tarun Gogoi da (a mark of respect for the Congress leader) was "a people's leader who had great contribution in Assam's political and public sphere".
"I express heartfelt condolences on the demise of former Chief Minister, a tall leader and 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," Mr Sonowal tweeted.
"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," he added.
The Chief Ministers of Tripura (Biplab Kumar Deb), Arunachal Pradesh (Pema Khandu) and Bengal (Mamata Banerjee) expressed their sorrow.
"Saddened to hear about the passing away of veteran leader and former Chief Minister of Assam for 3 terms, Tarun Gogoiji. My deepest condolences to his family, followers and well-wishers," Ms Banerjee said.
"Saddened by passing away of former CM of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoiji. My sincere condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers with them in this hour of grief," Mr Khandu tweeted.
Mr Deb said he was "deeply saddened". "In his passing, Assam has lost a senior leader and a veteran administrator. My sincere condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief," he said.
BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, who jumped from the Congress earlier this year, said Mr Gogoi had worked hard for the development and progress of Assam.
"My deepest condolences on the sad demise of Shri Tarun Gogoi, who was Chief Minister of Assam for 15 years, working for the development and progress of the state. I pray to God to comfort the departed soul and give the bereaved family the power to bear this trauma," Mr Scindia said.
Mr Gogoi, who was admitted to hospital with coronavirus on August 25, was discharged last month. However, days later he was re-admitted and placed on ventilator support following multi-organ failure.
He is survived by his wife Dolly Gogoi, daughter Chandrima Gogoi, and son Gaurav Gogoi, who is the Congress Lok Sabha MP from Assam's Kaliabor seat.