New Delhi, June 16: Assam Congress chief Anjan Dutta passes away at the age of 64 here at AIIMS on Thursday morning .
He was admitted to the hospital on May 25 and was undergoing treatment under pulmonary medicine expert Randeep Guleria.
“He died today (Thursday) morning at 7.15 a.m. and his body has been sent to the mortuary now,” a senior doctor from AIIMS told IANS.
The leader who was a cabinet minister for several years was initially admitted to Apollo Hospital in Delhi. However as his condition deteriorated there, he was admitted to AIIMS.
He was appointed Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president on December 13, 2014. Rahul Gandhi had visited him at AIIMS earlier.
Dutta’s death condoled in Assam
PTI
Guwahati, June 16: Condolences poured in over Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Anjan Dutta’s death today, with Assam government, party colleagues and others saying he will be fondly remembered for reviving the state transport service.
Dutta, who was born on April 13, 1952 at Sivasagar, passed away this morning following cardiac failure at the AIIMS hospital in Delhi.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in his condolence said Dutta’s death was an irreparable loss to Assam.
“People will always remember his dedication, contribution and his role in upholding the democracy. He worked with integrity and very efficiently during his tenure as minister.
He was also actively involved with various newspapers and magazines,” Sonowal said in a statement.
Former party colleague and now Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed shock over Dutta’s death.
In a series of tweets, Sarma said “ ... a spirited leader who dedicated himself to people. As a Transport Minister in 1st Gogoi’s govt. He tried to revive sick Assam State Transport Corporation and succeeded to a great extent.
“His contribution toward development of Sibsagar and Amguri will be remembered by all. I offer my deep condolence to his family. RIP.”
Dutta’s long-time close associate and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi said: “We are very sad about his untimely demise. He was very young. It is a big loss not only to Congress, but for Assam politics and the society as we have lost a brilliant politician.
“In today’s time, his role is more desired to strengthen Congress party. Dutta worked very hard and played important roles even during the bad times and never left the party in severe crisis like in Assam Agitation period,” he added.
Gogogi said Dutta’s leadership was very promising and as minister, he was very successful. He revived the transport department completely. Besides, he was a good journalist.
Dutta gave morale boost to Congress workers even during his last days from the hospital bed and asked them to work for the party, he added.
AIUDF President Badruddin Ajmal too expressed shock over Dutta’s death.
“Shocked to know that @AssamPCC President Anjan Dutta is no more. Heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul Rest in Peace,” he tweeted.
Assam Governor P B Acharya also condoled the death of the Congress politician.
