Agartala, September 12: Former Congress MLA, veteran politician and noted social worker Tapas Dey passed away at around 1:45 am on Friday. His death has cast a pall of gloom over Tripura’s political and social circles.
Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, former Union Minister of State Pratima Bhoumik and former Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma expressed grief over his death.
In his condolence message, Ratan Lal Nath described Tapas Dey as a veteran politician and prominent social worker whose passing was deeply painful. He offered prayers for the departed soul and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family, relatives and supporters.
Pradyot Kishore Debbarma also expressed deep grief, recalling Tapas Dey as his first political guide. He said Dey played an important role in helping him understand Tripura’s history and politics.
“Tapas Babu is no more. I cannot comprehend how cruel life can be,” Pradyot said in his condolence message.
Pradyot also appealed to Tipra Motha workers and supporters to honour the veteran leader by keeping the party flags at half-mast and observing one minute of silence. He said he would always remember Tapas Dey at a personal level.
Pradyot added that his mother, Rajmata Bibhu Devi, was also with him during the period of grief and conveyed her condolences to Tapas Dey’s family.
Tapas Dey’s mortal remains were taken to the Tripura Legislative Assembly premises on Saturday morning, where former MLA Sudip Roy Barman and others paid their last respects.
The body was later taken to the Agartala Press Club, where journalists, political leaders and well-wishers gathered to pay tribute to the former legislator. His mortal remains were subsequently taken to Raj Bhavan, where Tipra Motha workers and supporters paid their final respects.
