Assam BJP leader Kabindra Purkayastha dies at 94

Former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha, who helped the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strike roots in Assam in the 1980s, died on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) due to age-related ailments. He was 94.

He is survived by his son Kanad Purkayastha, a Rajya Sabha member, and a daughter. His wife predeceased him.

“Kabindra Purkayastha was hospitalised a few days ago. He was kept on ventilation,” a Silchar Medical College and Hospital spokesperson said, confirming his death.

A three-time MP from southern Assam’s Silchar constituency, the late Purkayastha served as a Minister in the first Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1998-99.

He retired from electoral engagements in 2014, but continued to be involved in political, educational, and social activities. In 2024, the Silchar-based Assam University conferred an honorary doctorate on him in recognition of his life and achievements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the death.

“Pained by the passing of former MP and Union Minister Shri Kabindra Purkayastha Ji. His commitment to serving society and his contribution towards Assam’s progress will always be remembered. He played a vital role in strengthening the BJP across the state. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti,” Mr. Modi posted on social media platform X.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the late Purkayastha was an institution in himself, having laid the foundation of the BJP in the region and helping it grow as Assam’s preferred political party.

“For us karyakartas (workers), he was not only a people’s representative but also a mentor, an elder, a reassuring presence who showed that politics is about values, simplicity, service, and above all taking care of each other as family members,” Mr. Sarma said.

“His legacy, though, cannot be measured merely by the offices or positions he held, but by how he always espoused seva bhav (spirit of service) through his actions. From helping displaced Hindu refugees to assisting Assam’s growth aspirations, his life was dedicated to the people and their welfare,” Mr. Sarma said.