Agartala, September 11: Tripura’s political circles mourned the death of veteran politician and former Congress MLA Tapas Dey, who died at GBP Hospital in Agartala early Friday after a prolonged illness. He was 84.
Dey passed away at around 1:45 am, triggering condolences from leaders and public figures across party lines. He was remembered for his long association with politics, public service and social work.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha expressed deep sorrow over Dey’s demise and described him as an experienced politician and distinguished social worker. Saha said Dey’s contribution to Tripura’s public life would remain memorable and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.
Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder and former Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik were among those who paid tribute to the departed leader.
A personal tribute came from former Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, who described Dey as his first political mentor. Pradyot said Dey had familiarised him with Tripura’s history and politics and had played an important role in his early political understanding.
He urged Tipra Motha supporters to observe a minute’s silence and keep the party flag at half-mast as a mark of respect. Pradyot also said his mother, Rajmata Bibhu Devi, shared the grief and extended her condolences to Dey’s family.
Dey’s association with Tripura began in 1965, when he arrived in the state as a refugee from East Pakistan in the aftermath of Partition. He subsequently entered student politics while pursuing his studies at Tripura Polytechnic and Ram Thakur College.
He served as General Secretary during his student days and went on to establish himself as a prominent political figure.
In 1972, Dey won the Shalgara Assembly constituency and entered the state legislature. His election victory made him one of the youngest MLAs in Tripura at the time, with the result being broadcast by All India Radio.
The veteran leader remained associated with the Indian National Congress for a major portion of his political career and was closely connected with senior Congress leader Priyadas Chakraborty. He later joined the Tripura Democratic Front and subsequently became associated with Tipra Motha.
Dey continued to participate in electoral politics despite his advancing age. In 2023, at the age of 81, he contested the Assembly elections as a Tipra Motha candidate.
His mortal remains were taken to several locations on Saturday as political leaders, legislators, journalists and supporters gathered to pay their final respects.
At the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Congress state president Asish Kumar Saha, Speaker Rampada Jamatia and other legislators paid homage to the veteran leader.
The mortal remains were later taken to the Agartala Press Club, where members of the media fraternity, political leaders and admirers gathered to offer their respects.
The final public homage was held at the Rajbari, where Tipra Motha workers and supporters, led by CEM Runiel Debbarma, assembled to bid farewell.
With his death, Tripura has lost a political figure whose career spanned more than five decades and witnessed several important phases in the state’s political history.
