Veteran politician and former Assam cabinet minister Siddique Ahmed passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 63 following an extended battle with cancer. According to his personal secretary, Sale Ahmed, the senior leader breathed his last around 8 am at his residence located in Baroigram within Sribhumi district. He is survived by his wife Anima Begum, three sons, and a daughter. His demise marks the departure of one of the most prominent political figures from the southern part of Assam.
A Formidable Record in Karimganj South
Ahmed established himself as a central figure in Barak Valley politics over two decades, representing the Karimganj South assembly constituency on multiple occasions. His journey in electoral politics began in 2001 when he contested on a Samata Party ticket and secured his inaugural legislative victory. During the subsequent 2006 assembly polls, he entered the fray as an Independent candidate before aligning his political career with the Indian National Congress.
His move to the Congress proved enduring. Running under the party banner, Ahmed reclaimed the Karimganj South constituency in the 2011 assembly elections. He consolidated his popularity again in the 2021 state elections, defeating Asom Gana Parishad candidate Aziz Ahmed Khan. That contest sealed his fourth electoral triumph from Karimganj South, demonstrating a deep connection with local voters regardless of broader political shifts across the state.
Ministerial Portfolios in the Tarun Gogoi Administration
During the Congress administration led by former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Ahmed was entrusted with significant government portfolios. Following his electoral success in 2011, he was inducted into the council of ministers as a Minister of State with independent charge, overseeing the departments of Co-operation and Border Areas Development.
Recognizing his performance and standing within the ruling party, the leadership elevated him to full Cabinet status in 2015. In this expanded capacity, Ahmed managed several critical departments, including Industries and Commerce, Power, and Public Enterprises. His tenure in these ministries placed him at the center of state-level policy execution during a pivotal period of economic and infrastructure planning in Assam.
Tributes Across the Political Divide
The announcement of his demise prompted condolences from public figures across political lines throughout the state. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remembered him warmly on social media platform X, noting their lengthy association. In his message, the Chief Minister remarked, "Deeply pained by the passing away of my dear colleague of many years, Shri Siddique Ahmed Sahab."
Sarma commended Ahmed for prioritizing the welfare of the public throughout his legislative career and for managing administrative portfolios with high professionalism. Emphasizing that personal bonds transcended party boundaries, the Chief Minister recalled navigating through challenging phases of public life together. Sarma added that Ahmed's departure leaves a lasting absence in both the administrative circles of Assam and the community life of Sribhumi, while extending his prayers and sympathy to Anima Begum and the bereaved family.
