Former Assam Chief Minister Bhumidhar Barman dies at 91 after prolonged illness

Barman was 89 years and suffering from old age related ailments. He was MLA for seven terms and had held important departments in Former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's cabinet. Gogoi was Chief Minister from 2001-2016.

He was first elected in 1967. Burman was known for his strong grassroots connect and had in past faced three attacks of militant outfits, ULFA.

Barman was involved in formulation of modalities of NRC and headed the cabinet sub committee. He took major role in peace accord with with erstwhile militant outfit Bodo Liberation Tigers.


He worked with three Chief Ministers and after death of former Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia, he was made Chief Minister from April 22 1996 to May 14 1996.

He headed several group of ministers formed during the Congress government's rule.

The Government of Assam has declared a three day state mourning as a mark of respect to Barman. During this period the national flag will be flown at half mast at all offices where it is flown regularly, no official entertainment will be held during this period.

The body of Barman will be cremated with full state honours.


AICC General Secretary-in-Charge Assam Jitendra Singh has expressed his condolences at the demise of Barman who was like a guiding light for Assam Congress.

Singh spoke to late Dr Barman's son Diganta Barman over phone to express his sorrow at the irreparable loss and said that Congress party would always revere the contributions of his father to the state of Assam and the Congress party.

Singh prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul.

Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi mourned the death of former Chief Minister.

In a condolence message here today, Prof. Mukhi said, “I am saddened to hear the demise of Dr Barman”. A veteran leader who contributed immensely to the development of the state and taking it altogether to a great height. Dr. Barman during his long political career worked for all sections of the society and used his administrative and political wisdom for the betterment of the state.

Mukhi said that his death is a great loss and will create a void in the social and political spectrum of the state. Dr. Barman however, left behind a rich legacy of his works and contributions which will definitely be a source of inspiration for the posterity.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the state has lost an experienced and capable politician with the death of Dr. Barman and the people of Assam will always remember his committed service and contributions to the State.

He played an important role in the development journey of the State in his short tenure as the Chief Minister and also in the capacity of a cabinet minister and his demise would remain an irreparable loss to the society, he added.