Assam ex-CM Bhumidhar Barman passes away in Guwahati hospital

GUWAHATI: Former Assam chief minister and senior Congress leader Bhumidhar Barman passed away following age related illness at a private hospital here this evening.

Barman had been ailing for some time and was admitted to a city hospital over the past fortnight and breathed his last around 6.20 pm this evening.

He was 91 and was a diabetic patient.

He was admitted to hospital with urinary disorder. His condition further deteriorated after being admitted to hospital and was in the intensive care unit.

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The veteran Congress leader occupied the chief minister’s chair between April 22 and May 14, 1996 following the demise of then chief minister Hiteswar Saikia. Before that, barman was a cabinet minister. He also officiated in the chief minister’s capacity in the absence of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi in 2001-02 who was on leave on medical ground.

Assam chief minister condoled his demise. “Saddened to learn about the demise of former Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Bhumidhar Barman. My sincere condolences to his bereaved family members and well-wishers. Om shanty,” he tweeted.

Born in 1931 at Belsor in Nalbari district, Barman was first elected to Assam assembly in 1967. He was elected seven times from Barkhetry constituency and was a cabinet minister several times.

He was the only politician from Lower Assam to occupy the chief minister's chair.

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Having completed his matriculation from Tihu High School, Barman graduated from Calcutta University.

Barman’s son Diganta Barman is presently the Congress candidate from Barkhetry.