Veteran CPI(M) leader, former legislator and prominent women’s rights activist Comrade Gouri Bhattacharjee passed away on Saturday at the age of 92 following age-related ailments.

Her death marks the end of a long and significant chapter in Tripura’s Left and women’s movements. Bhattacharjee had been associated with the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) for several decades and played an active role in various movements and programmes organised by the women’s organisation. She was also involved in several struggles concerning women’s rights and the demands of ordinary people.

Bhattacharjee was among the prominent figures of the early phase of the Left movement in Tripura and was also one of the state’s pioneering women legislators. She was elected to the Tripura Legislative Assembly from the Barjala constituency as a CPI(M) candidate in the 1977 Assembly elections. She retained the seat in the 1983 elections and served as an MLA until 1988.

Throughout her long political career, Bhattacharjee was known for her commitment to the organisation, discipline and dedication to various movements concerning the common people. Her longstanding contribution to the women’s movement earned her a special place among party workers, supporters and activists, while her role continued to inspire successive generations of women’s movement workers.

Former Tripura Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar expressed deep sorrow over her demise. He recalled Bhattacharjee’s long political career and her significant contributions to the Left and women’s movements.

CPI(M) Tripura State Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury also expressed grief over her death and remembered Bhattacharjee as a veteran and dedicated comrade who remained committed throughout her life to the organisation, the women’s movement and the struggles of ordinary people.

Her demise has cast a pall of grief among CPI(M) leaders, workers and people associated with various mass movements. Party leaders and activists said her ideals, dedication and long years of struggle would continue to inspire future generations.