File photo of Bhumidhar Barman | Image Courtesy: PIB

Former Assam chief minister and veteran Congress leader Bhumidhar Barman passed away at a private hospital in Guwahati on April 18 following prolonged illness. He was 91.

Assam government has declared three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to the former CM.

“During this period the national flag will be flown half-mast in all offices where it is flown regularly and no official entertainment will be held during this period. The body of former chief minister Dr Bhumidhar Barman will be cremated with full state honour,” said statement issued by the government.

In his first term, Bhumidhar Barman became the chief minister from April 22 to May 14 in 1996 when his predecessor Hiteswar Saikia died. Later he was made the chief minister in 2010 when then CM Tarun Gogoi had gone to Mumbai for his heart surgery. Barman was a minister in both Hiteswar Saikia and Tarun Gogoi governments, holding important portfolios like health, education and revenue, among others.

The seven-term MLA was first elected to the Assam Assembly in 1967, as per the official records. He represented Borkhetry in the Nalbari district for four terms.

A doctor by profession, Barman had graduated from Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh in 1958. He is survived by a son and three daughters. His wife predeceased him.

Among others, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal has condoled the demise of the veteran leader.

“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,” tweeted Sonowal.

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