Dutta's death condoled in Assam

Condolences poured in over Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Anjan Dutta's death today, with Assam government, party colleagues and others saying he will be fondly remembered for reviving the state transport service.
Dutta, who was born on April 13, 1952 at Sivasagar, passed away this morning following cardiac failure at the AIIMS hospital in Delhi.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in his condolence said Dutta's death was an irreparable loss to Assam.
"People will always remember his dedication, contribution and his role in upholding the democracy. He worked with integrity and very efficiently during his tenure as minister. He was also actively involved with various newspapers and magazines," Sonowal said in a statement.

Former party colleague and now Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed shock over Dutta's death.
In a series of tweets, Sarma said " ... A spirited leader who dedicated himself to people. As a Transport Minister in 1st Gogoi's govt. He tried to revive sick Assam State Transport Corporation and succeeded to a great extent.

"His contribution toward development of Sibsagar and Amguri will be remembered by all. I offer my deep condolence to his family. RIP."
Dutta's long-time close associate and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi said: "We are very sad about his untimely demise. He was very young. It is a big loss not only to Congress, but for Assam politics and the society as we have lost a brilliant politician.

"In today's time, his role is more desired to strengthen Congress party. Dutta worked very hard and played important roles even during the bad times and never left the party in severe crisis like in Assam Agitation period," he added.
Gogogi said Dutta's leadership was very promising and as minister, he was very successful. He revived the transport department completely. Besides, he was a good journalist.
Dutta gave morale boost to Congress workers even during his last days from the hospital bed and asked them to work for the party, he added.
AIUDF President Badruddin Ajmal too expressed shock over Dutta's death.

"Shocked to know that @AssamPCC President Anjan Dutta is no more. Heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul Rest in Peace," he tweeted.
In a condolence meeting held at Congress' state
headquarters here, party MLA Rakibul Hussain said Dutta's death is a big loss and it will take a long time to recover from it.
Another Congress leader Pradyut Bordoloi said Dutta took charge as Congress President when the party was infested with dissident activities and he successfully united all workers.
Dutta was elected from Amguri in 1991, 2001 and 2011.
In 2001, he was the transport minister and is widely appreciated, even by his critics, for reviving the almost dying Assam State Transport Corporation.

He also served as the industry minister and tried to bring life and vigour to Assam Tea Corporation.
Dutta was made minister for the first time by Hiteswar Saikia in November, 1992 and was minister of state for town and country planning, public enterprises, irrigation and hydro-carbon development.
He became minister for the second time in 2001 and held charge of transport, municipal administration, Guwahati development department, industry and commerce and public enterprises.
Dutta was also executive member of the governing body of Assam Cricket Association, besides being the president of Assam Pradesh Youth Congress Committee and chairman of North East Youth Congress Co-ordination Committee.

He married Ananya Dutta in 1986 and the couple has three daughters.