NEW DELHI: Former West Bengal minister Biswanath Chowdhury, an eight-term MLA and leader of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), passed away at the age of 82 at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata on Saturday morning.
Chowdhury, who was combating cancer, held the position of minister for jails and social welfare from 1987 to 2011.
Officials said that Chowdhury was admitted to SSKM Hospital last week and breathed his last at 6.42 am.
Expressing grief, chief minister Mamata Banerjee declared a half-day holiday in all state government offices as a mark of respect for the former minister.
“I am saddened by the demise of former state minister Biswanath Chowdhury. Although he was a leader in the opposition party, we had a very good relationship. On hearing about his illness, we admitted him to SSKM Hospital and arranged for treatment. But none of the efforts worked. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues on this sad day,” Banerjee posted on X.
“As a tribute to the memory of the former minister, there will be a half-day holiday today in all state government offices, corporations, etc, which are open,” she said.
The West Bengal CM is currently in New Delhi to participate in the NITI Aayog meeting.
RSP’s general secretary Manoj Bhattacharya mentioned that Chowdhury’s mortal remains would be taken to his hometown of Balurghat for final rites.