Tripura mourns Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen as leaders pay homage in Agartala. Cremation with full state honours scheduled in Dharmanagar amid three days of state mourning, reflecting his lasting political and legislative legacy.
The mortal remains of Tripura Legislative Assembly Speaker and four-time MLA Biswa Bandhu Sen were brought to Agartala from Bengaluru on Saturday, triggering an outpouring of grief across the state’s political and social spectrum. Leaders cutting across party lines gathered to pay their final respects to the veteran legislator, whose death has left a deep void in Tripura’s political life.
After arrival at Agartala, Sen’s mortal remains were taken to the Tripura Legislative Assembly premises, where Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, senior ministers, legislators, political leaders, and citizens from different walks of life paid homage. Floral tributes were laid as a mark of respect to a leader remembered for his long service, legislative experience, and commitment to democratic values.
Biswa Bandhu Sen passed away on Friday at a private hospital in Bengaluru after undergoing medical treatment for more than four-and-a-half months. He was 72. His cremation will take place at his hometown Dharmanagar on Sunday with full state honours, reflecting the state’s recognition of his contributions to public life. Sen is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter.
Chief Minister Manik Saha, Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, and other cabinet colleagues paid floral tributes to the departed leader. Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) Tripura state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury, Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Paul, and leaders of various political parties were also present, underscoring the respect Sen commanded beyond political affiliations. Representatives of social and professional organisations joined the gathering to offer their condolences.
Floral tributes were also paid on behalf of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, highlighting Sen’s stature at the national level as an experienced parliamentarian and Assembly Speaker. The Tripura State Rifles rendered a ceremonial final salute with reversed arms, symbolising the state’s highest honour to the late leader.
The demise of Biswa Bandhu Sen has cast a pall of gloom over Tripura’s political landscape. Condolences poured in from leaders across the country, reflecting the widespread impact of his death. Chief Minister Manik Saha described Sen’s passing as a major loss not only for the Bharatiya Janata Party but also for the people of Tripura as a whole.
Speaking after paying his last respects, the Chief Minister said that Sen had discharged his responsibilities as Assembly Speaker with fairness, dignity, and exemplary competence. He noted that Sen was known for conducting House proceedings efficiently and impartially, ensuring that democratic traditions and parliamentary decorum were upheld at all times.
As a mark of respect, the Tripura government has declared three days of state mourning from December 26 to December 28. During this period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the state, and no official entertainment programmes will be held. All state government offices, including those located outside Tripura, public sector undertakings, and educational institutions remained closed on Friday in honour of the departed leader.
Condolence messages were also received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister and BJP President J.P. Nadda, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin, and several other senior leaders. Their messages highlighted Sen’s dedication to public service and his role in strengthening legislative institutions.
Biswa Bandhu Sen’s health complications began on August 8, when he suffered an internal brain haemorrhage at Agartala railway station while boarding a train to his hometown Dharmanagar. He was immediately admitted to Tripura Medical College, where he underwent emergency surgery. Following initial treatment, he was shifted to a private hospital in Agartala and later transferred to Bengaluru on August 11 for advanced medical care.
On the initiative of Chief Minister Manik Saha, two doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, examined Sen’s condition and reviewed the treatment protocols at both Tripura Medical College and the private hospital in Agartala. Despite prolonged treatment and expert medical intervention, his condition deteriorated, leading to his demise.
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Sen’s son, Arijit Sen, who is also a doctor, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and medical teams for their efforts in managing his father’s initial treatment and ensuring the best possible care.
Biswa Bandhu Sen was elected to the Tripura Legislative Assembly four times. He won twice from Dharmanagar in North Tripura district as a Congress candidate in 2008 and 2013, and later as a BJP nominee in 2018 and 2023 from the same constituency. His political journey reflected both experience and adaptability, earning him respect across party lines.
As Tripura prepares to bid farewell to one of its most seasoned lawmakers, Sen’s legacy as a legislator, Speaker, and public servant is expected to endure in the state’s political memory.
