Tripura Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru early Friday, according to official sources. He was 72.
An official notification issued by the state government said Sen died around 3.30 am. Reports said he was undergoing treatment after suffering a massive cerebral stroke. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Sen’s death, remembering his contribution to the state’s development and social work. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Pained by the passing of Shri Biswa Bandhu Sen Ji, Speaker of the Tripura Assembly. He will be remembered for his efforts to boost Tripura’s progress and his commitment to numerous social causes. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha also expressed grief over the Assembly Speaker’s demise, calling it a major loss. “I am deeply shocked. The passing away of the Speaker is an irreparable loss to the party. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and his followers,” he said in a social media post.
According to reports, Sen’s mortal remains will be brought from Bengaluru to Agartala on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Tripura government has announced three days of state mourning starting Friday. A notification issued by the General Administration (Political) Department said the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the state during the mourning period, and no official entertainment programmes will be held.
The government has also announced that Sen will be accorded a state funeral on December 27. All concerned departments have been directed to make necessary arrangements for the last rites.