GUWAHATI: Former Assam minister and veteran Congress leader Siddique Ahmed died on Sunday, September 13, after a prolonged battle with cancer.
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Ahmed passed away at his residence in Baraigram, where he had been undergoing treatment for some time.
A prominent political figure from Assam's Barak Valley, Ahmed represented the Karimganj South constituency in the state Assembly for several terms. He began his electoral career with the Samata Party before joining the Indian National Congress.
Ahmed served in the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government, holding key portfolios including Cooperation and Border Areas Development. He was later entrusted with the Industries and Commerce portfolio in the Gogoi ministry.
Ahmed's political career remained closely associated with Karimganj South, where he served as an MLA across multiple terms. In 2022, he was suspended by the Congress following allegations of cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma mourned the passing of the former minister, recalling his long association with Ahmed despite their political differences.
Taking to social media, Sarma described Ahmed as his "dear colleague of many years" and said the former legislator had consistently prioritised the welfare of his constituents.
"As a legislator, he always prioritised his people's welfare, and as a Minister as well, he ran his assigned department with utmost professionalism. But beyond these, he was a great human being who valued relationships and was compassionate towards everyone," Sarma wrote.
"We belonged to different political parties, but our bond went beyond politics. We were fellow travellers who navigated through difficult phases of life together," he added.
Sarma said Ahmed's passing had left a void not only in the social life of Sribhumi but also in Assam's administrative circles.
Ahmed is survived by his wife, Anima Begum, three sons and a daughter.