Categories: Current AffairsObituaries

Former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha Passes Away at 94

Kabindra Purkayastha, a prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister, passed away on January 7, 2026, at the age of 94 in Silchar, Assam. He died at his home after a long life dedicated to politics, social service, and nation-building. His death marks the end of an important chapter in Assam’s political history and the BJP’s development in Northeast India.

Who Was Kabindra Purkayastha?

Kabindra Purkayastha was known as the patriarch of the BJP in Assam. His contributions shaped the party’s growth in Northeast India, particularly in the Barak Valley region. He was born on 15th December 1931 at Kamarkhal, which was then part of Sylhet district (now in Bangladesh).

Political Journey

Early Life & RSS Association:

Joined Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1951
Worked as a teacher before entering politics
Served as RSS pracharak (full-time worker) across Northeast India
Known for intellectual contributions and mentorship

Parliamentary Career:

Three-time Member of Parliament (MP) from Silchar Lok Sabha constituency
Elected in 1991, 1998, and 2009
Represented the region with dedication for decades
Strong connection with Silchar and local people

Union Minister:

Served as Union Minister of State (MoS) for Ministry of Communications
Tenure: 1998–1999 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Worked on communication infrastructure development

Major Contributions

Political Legacy:

Founding member of BJP
Strengthened BJP’s organizational base in Assam and Northeast India
Recognized as intellectual mentor within the party
Shaped party’s growth and strategy in the region

Social Work:

Worked for refugee rehabilitation programs
Focused on regional development initiatives
Contributed to community welfare
Promoted social and political consciousness

Sumit Arora

As a team lead and current affairs writer at Adda247, I am responsible for researching and producing engaging, informative content designed to assist candidates in preparing for national and state-level competitive government exams. I specialize in crafting insightful articles that keep aspirants updated on the latest trends and developments in current affairs. With a strong emphasis on educational excellence, my goal is to equip readers with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in their exams. Through well-researched and thoughtfully written content, I strive to guide and support candidates on their journey to success.