Veteran politician, journalist, former Congress MLA and social worker Tapas Dey passed away at 84 in Agartala after prolonged illness, prompting tributes from leaders across political parties and journalists who remembered his decades-long contribution to Tripura’s public and political life.
Veteran politician, former Congress MLA, journalist, editor and respected social worker Tapas Dey passed away at the GBP Hospital in Agartala at around 1:45 am on Friday after a prolonged illness. He was 84. His death has drawn widespread condolences from political leaders, journalists, social workers and people across Tripura.
Dey had been suffering from various ailments and age-related complications. He was recently admitted to ILF Hospital before being shifted to GBP Hospital, where he breathed his last. His demise marks the end of a long public career that remained closely connected with Tripura’s political, social and journalistic landscape for several decades.
Known for his political understanding, social commitment and journalistic experience, Dey was respected across party lines. Members of the media community regarded him as a guardian figure who could provide valuable insight into political developments, their background and their direct and indirect impact on society. His knowledge of Tripura’s political history made him a significant source of guidance for younger journalists and political observers.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha led the tributes to the veteran leader, describing his death as a deeply saddening loss for the state. In his condolence message, the Chief Minister recalled Dey’s contributions to Tripura’s political and social life and expressed sympathy to his bereaved family.
“The demise of Tapas Dey is deeply saddening. He was not only a seasoned politician but also a distinguished social worker whose contributions to Tripura’s political and social life will be remembered for generations. May the Almighty grant eternal peace to his soul and strength to his bereaved family,” Dr. Saha said.
Dey’s political journey was closely intertwined with the history of post-Partition Tripura. He arrived in the state in 1965 as a refugee from East Pakistan. Soon after settling in Tripura, he became involved in student politics and developed an active role in public life.
He was associated with Tripura Polytechnic and Ram Thakur College, where he was elected General Secretary. His early involvement in student politics helped establish the foundation for his subsequent political career.
In 1972, Dey won the Shalgara Assembly constituency and entered the Tripura Legislative Assembly at a relatively young age. His election marked an important milestone in a political career that would continue for decades.
For a major part of his political life, Dey remained associated with the Indian National Congress. He was closely linked with veteran Congress leader Priyadas Chakraborty and represented a generation of politicians who regarded political commitment, loyalty and public service as closely connected.
Over the years, however, Dey’s political journey evolved. He later joined the Tripura Democratic Front and subsequently became associated with Tipra Motha. Within Tipra Motha, he emerged as a respected elder figure and supporter of its former supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma.
Despite advancing age, Dey remained active in electoral politics. At the age of 81, he contested the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections as a Tipra Motha candidate. His decision to contest the election at that age reflected his continued commitment to public life and his belief in remaining connected with political and social issues.
On Saturday morning, Dey’s mortal remains were taken first to the premises of the Tripura Legislative Assembly. Legislators and political leaders gathered there to pay their last respects. Tripura Pradesh Congress president Asish Kumar Saha, Assembly Speaker Rampada Jamatia and others offered floral tributes to the departed leader.
The mortal remains were subsequently taken to the Agartala Press Club, where journalists, political leaders, colleagues and admirers gathered to pay their final respects. For members of the journalism fraternity, Dey’s death was particularly significant as he had maintained a long association with journalism and public affairs alongside his political career.
His mortal remains were later taken to the Rajbari, where Tipra Motha workers and supporters gathered for a final farewell. CEM Runiel Debbarma and other party members led the tributes, with supporters showering the veteran leader’s mortal remains with flowers.
Condolences poured in from political leaders belonging to different parties, underlining Dey’s broad acceptance and long-standing relationships across political divisions. Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder and former Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik were among those who expressed grief over his death.
Pradyot Kishore Debbarma paid a particularly personal tribute to Dey, remembering him as his first political guide and mentor. He recalled how Dey had helped him understand Tripura’s history and political developments and said that his guidance would always remain cherished.
“Tapas Babu is no more. Life can be cruel beyond imagination. He was my first mentor in politics, and I will always cherish his guidance,” Pradyot said in his tribute.
He also appealed to Tipra Motha workers to honour Dey’s memory by keeping the party flag at half-mast and observing a minute’s silence.
Pradyot further shared that his mother, Rajmata Bibhu Devi, stood with him in mourning and conveyed condolences to Dey’s family.
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With his passing, Tripura has lost a veteran public figure whose life traversed student politics, electoral politics, social service and journalism. From arriving in Tripura as a refugee in 1965 to entering the Assembly in 1972 and remaining active in politics well into his eighties, Tapas Dey’s public life reflected several important chapters of the state’s political history.
His contributions and relationships across political and journalistic circles are expected to remain part of Tripura’s public memory, while leaders and admirers continue to mourn the loss of a veteran politician, journalist and social worker.
