Agartala: Veteran CPI(M) leader, former legislator and prominent women’s rights activist Gauri Bhattacharjee passed away here on Saturday at the age of 92 due to age-related ailments.
Bhattacharjee’s demise marks the end of a significant chapter in Tripura’s Left and women’s movements. She was closely associated with the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) for several decades, playing a pivotal role in its campaigns and programmes, and remained deeply involved in struggles for women’s rights and other public causes.
One of the state’s pioneering women legislators, Bhattacharjee won the Borjola constituency on a CPI(M) ticket in the 1977 Assembly elections, retained the seat in 1983, and served as MLA until 1988. Her political career spanned decades of organisational discipline and commitment to people’s movements.
Former Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar expressed deep sorrow over her passing, recalling her contributions to Left politics and the women’s struggle. CPI(M) Tripura State Secretary Jitendra Choudhury also paid tribute, describing her as a dedicated comrade whose lifelong commitment to organisation and people’s causes set an example for others.
Her passing has cast a shadow of grief among party workers and activists across various mass movements in the state, who remembered her as a fighter whose ideals will continue to inspire future generations.