Tripura Legislative Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen passed away on Friday morning at the age of 72. The veteran politician had been battling a prolonged illness and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru for several months.
Health Struggles and Final Journey
The final chapter of Sen's health struggles began on August 8, when he suffered a massive cerebral stroke at the Agartala railway station. He was initially rushed to a private hospital in Tripura for an emergency surgical procedure. Subsequently, seeking advanced medical care, his family moved him to a specialized facility in Bengaluru, where he eventually succumbed.
His son, Dr. Arijit Sen, addressed criticism from the opposition CPI(M) regarding the choice of a private hospital in Bengaluru over the state-run GBP Hospital. He firmly stated that the decision was made by the family. "He is our father, and we will decide where he will be treated. Nobody could dictate that to us. It is not good to play politics over an ailing person," he said.
A Storied Political Career
Biswa Bandhu Sen was a significant figure in Tripura's political landscape. Born on May 23, 1953, he completed his BA from Maharaja Bir Bikram College, Agartala, in 1975.
His political career included serving as the Vice Chairman of the Dharmanagar Nagar Panchayat in 1988. He was a four-time MLA, consistently winning from the 56-Dharmanagar constituency in North Tripura. Sen spent a major part of his career with the Indian National Congress, winning elections in 2008 and 2013, before joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017.
He served as the Deputy Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly from 2018 to 2023 and was elevated to the position of Speaker on March 24, 2023.
Nation and State Mourn the Loss
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing. In a post on X, the PM said, "He will be remembered for his efforts to boost Tripura’s progress and commitment to numerous social causes. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti."
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha described the demise as an "irreparable loss" for the state. Extending heartfelt condolences to the family, Saha prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family to bear the loss.
The legacy of Biswa Bandhu Sen is marked by his dedication to Tripura's development and his active involvement in various social causes, a commitment remembered by leaders and citizens alike.
