Silchar, Assam — The political landscape of Barak Valley dimmed Sunday morning as veteran Congress leader Siddeque Ahmed breathed his last at his residence in Baroigram. The 63-year-old former minister had waged a prolonged battle against cancer, leaving behind a legacy that transcended party lines.

  • Four-term Congress MLA from Karimganj South
  • Held portfolios including Border Protection, Industries, and Commerce
  • Survived by wife Anima Begum, three sons, and a daughter

A Political Journey Spanning Decades

Ahmed wasn't just another politician. For years, he represented Karimganj South with a dedication that earned him four consecutive terms. Even when illness slowed him down, his presence remained felt in the corridors of power. His personal secretary Sale Ahmed confirmed the leader passed around 8 am, ending a long treatment journey.

Crossing Aisles in Life and Politics

Though suspended by Congress for supporting the government during Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's first term, Ahmed never officially left the party. That suspension remained technically in force until his death—a detail that feels almost trivial now against the weight of his passing.

"We belonged to different political parties, but our bond went beyond politics," Sarma wrote in a moving social media tribute. "We were fellow travellers who navigated through difficult phases of life together."

Legacy of Compassion and Professionalism

Congress spokesperson Bedabrat Bora quickly clarified that the party still considered Ahmed part of their organization, promising full respect in death. Meanwhile, Sarma—who had served alongside Ahmed in Tarun Gogoi's cabinet—remembered him as a minister who ran his departments with "utmost professionalism" but more importantly, as "a great human being who valued relationships."

In the quiet of Baroigram, where Ahmed took his final breaths, politics suddenly feels smaller than the man himself. The flags might be at half-mast, but the memories of his service remain fully raised.