Tripura plunged into grief as news broke of the passing of Tapas Dey, veteran politician, former Congress MLA, and respected social worker. 

Dey, aged 84, breathed his last at 1:45 am on Friday night at GBP Hospital in Agartala after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades of political and social service.

Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha led the tributes, placing the loss at the forefront of public discourse. “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 in his condolence message.

The news of Dey’s passing drew heartfelt condolences from leaders across parties. Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder, and former Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik expressed their sorrow. 

Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, former supremo of Tipra Motha, issued a deeply personal tribute, recalling Dey as his “first political guide” who taught him about Tripura’s history and politics. “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. 

He urged Tipra Motha workers to honour Dey by keeping the party flag at half-mast and observing a minute’s silence.

Pradyot also shared that his mother, Rajmata Bibhu Devi, stood with him in mourning and extended condolences to Dey’s family.

Tapas Dey’s journey was inseparable from Tripura’s turbulent post-Partition history. Arriving in the state in 1965 as a refugee from East Pakistan, he quickly immersed himself in student politics at Tripura Polytechnic and Ram Thakur College, where he was elected General Secretary. 

His rise was meteoric, in 1972, he won the Shalgara Assembly constituency, becoming one of Tripura’s youngest MLAs. His victory was announced over All India Radio, marking the beginning of a career that would span decades.

For much of his life, Dey remained loyal to the Indian National Congress, closely associated with veteran leader Priyadas Chakraborty. He embodied a generation of politicians for whom loyalty and principle were inseparable from public service. 

Later, he joined the Tripura Democratic Front and eventually Tipra Motha, where he became a respected elder figure and supporter of Pradyot Kishore Debbarma.

Even in his twilight years, Dey’s determination never waned. At 81 years old, he contested the 2023 Assembly elections as a Tipra Motha candidate, proving that his commitment to politics and people remained undiminished.

On Saturday morning, Dey’s mortal remains were first taken to the Tripura Legislative Assembly premises, where legislators including Tripura Pradesh Congress president Asish Kumar Saha, Speaker Rampada Jamatia among others, paid floral tributes. 

His body was then moved to the Agartala Press Club, where journalists, political leaders, and admirers offered their respects. 

Later, his remains were taken to the Rajbari, where Tipra Motha workers and supporters led by CEM Runiel Debbarma showered him with flowers in a final farewell.