Tripura Assembly Speaker and four-time MLA Biswa Bandhu Sen dies at 72 after prolonged illness. State mourning declared as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Manik Saha, and national leaders express deep grief over his demise.
Tripura Legislative Assembly Speaker and four-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Biswa Bandhu Sen passed away on Friday at a private hospital in Bengaluru after battling a prolonged illness for over four months. He was 72. His demise has triggered widespread mourning across Tripura and beyond, with political leaders cutting across party lines paying rich tributes to his life and public service.
Sen, a seasoned politician and respected parliamentarian, is survived by his wife, one son, and one daughter. The Tripura government has announced three days of state mourning from December 26 to December 28 as a mark of respect to the departed leader. During this period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the state, and all official entertainment programmes have been cancelled.
As part of the mourning protocol, all state government offices, including those located outside Tripura, public sector undertakings, and educational institutions remained closed on Friday. The state government has also announced that a state funeral will be accorded to Biswa Bandhu Sen on Saturday, December 27.
Prolonged Medical Battle and Final Days
Biswa Bandhu Sen had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru after suffering a severe brain haemorrhage on August 8 at the Agartala railway station. The medical emergency occurred shortly after he boarded a train to travel to his hometown, Dharmanagar, in North Tripura district.
Following the incident, Sen was initially admitted to Tripura Medical College and later shifted to a private hospital in Agartala, where he underwent emergency surgery. Considering the complexity of his condition, he was transferred to Bengaluru on August 11 for advanced medical care.
On the initiative of Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, two doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, were flown to Tripura to assess Sen’s condition and review his treatment protocols. Despite sustained medical efforts and brief signs of improvement, his condition deteriorated, leading to his demise early Friday morning.
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According to medical reports released earlier, Sen had undergone decompressive craniotomy following a left thalamocapsular bleed with intraventricular extension. Subsequent complications included hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure, requiring emergency neurosurgical interventions.
State Funeral and Government Notification
An official notification issued by the Tripura government stated that Sen passed away at around 3:30 am on December 26. His mortal remains are scheduled to be brought to Agartala from Bengaluru on December 27, following which state funeral rites will be conducted with full honours.
The government has directed all concerned departments and authorities to ensure that mourning protocols are observed in accordance with established norms, reflecting the state’s collective respect for the late Speaker.
Political Journey and Legislative Legacy
Biswa Bandhu Sen began his political career with the Indian National Congress and was first elected to the Tripura Legislative Assembly from the Dharmanagar constituency in 2008. He successfully retained the seat in 2013. Later, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected again in 2018 and 2023 from the same constituency, making him a four-time MLA.
He assumed office as the 11th Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly on June 21, 2018. As Speaker, Sen was widely regarded for his impartial conduct, administrative efficiency, and unwavering commitment to parliamentary traditions. His calm demeanor and firm adherence to legislative procedures earned him respect from both treasury and opposition benches.
Chief Minister Manik Saha described Sen’s demise as an “irreparable loss” to Tripura, stating that he conducted Assembly proceedings with fairness, dignity, and exemplary competence. Senior ministers, opposition leaders, and legislators echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging his role in strengthening democratic institutions in the state.
Condolences from National Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Sen’s passing. In a post on social media, the Prime Minister said that Sen would be remembered for his efforts to boost Tripura’s development and his commitment to social causes. He extended condolences to Sen’s family and admirers, praying for peace for the departed soul.
Union Health Minister and BJP President J. P. Nadda also mourned the loss, stating that Tripura had lost a dedicated leader whose contributions to public service would be remembered with deep respect. BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin and several senior party leaders also expressed their condolences.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla described Sen as a selfless public servant who upheld democratic values throughout his career. Leaders from the Congress, CPI(M), Tipra Motha, and other regional parties paid tribute, underlining his ability to rise above partisan politics in his role as Speaker.
A Void in Tripura’s Political Landscape
Biswa Bandhu Sen’s passing has created a profound void in Tripura’s legislative and political landscape. Widely respected for his composed personality and deep respect for constitutional values, he played a crucial role in maintaining decorum and discipline within the Assembly.
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As Tripura mourns the loss of one of its most experienced lawmakers, tributes continue to pour in from across the political spectrum, reflecting the enduring impact of his service. His legacy as a principled legislator and fair-minded Speaker is expected to remain an enduring benchmark in the state’s democratic journey.
