STATE : Surajit Datta, 69-year-old BJP leader and MLA, passed away on Wednesday, while receiving treatment in a Kolkata hospital following a prolonged illness.

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha expressed his sorrow over the demise of MLA Surajit Datta.

In observance of MLA Surajit Datta’s passing, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced one-day state mourning on Thursday.

In a post on social media, CM Saha said, “Saddened & pained by the demise of senior politician & sitting MLA of Bharatiya Janata Party Shri Surajit Dutta (Sunu Daa) during treatment in a hospital outside the State. His demise is an irreparable loss in the State’s political arena. May the departed soul find eternal peace! My deepest sympathy to the bereaved family. Om Shanti”.

The Ramnagar MLA, who had been suffering from multiple diseases, was admitted to an Agartala hospital on Tuesday due to breathlessness. He was then transferred to Kolkata for better treatment but died during the process.

Surajit Datta first contested the Ramnagar Assembly seat in 1988 and won, becoming a Minister in the Sudhir Ranjan Majumder-led Congress-TUJS government.