Assam's only woman Chief Minister Syeda Anwara Taimur passes away

GUWAHATI: Syeda Anwara Taimur, the only woman politician who served as the Chief Minister of Assam, breathed her last on Monday in Australia after a prolonged illness. She was 84.

Syeda Taimur was residing with her son in Australia for some years. The former woman CM had been suffering from health complications for a long time.

Four times MLA, Taimur briefly served as the Chief Minister of Assam from December 6, 1980, to June 30, 1981. From 1983 to 1985, Taimur was the Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Assam. She was elected to the Assam Assembly in 1972, 1978, 1983, and 1991. Taimur was a leader of the Indian National Congress party in Assam and a member of the All India Congress Committee.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi deeply condoled the death and said that her contributions towards Assam's development would be remembered. "Condolences to the family and well-wishers of former Assam CM, Syeda Anwara Taimur. May her soul rest in peace," the PM said in a statement.

In his condolence message, Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi said, "Saddened to know the death of the former Chief Minister Syeda Anwara Taimur, a veteran mass leader who championed the cause of politics with an undertone of people's development. She was an able administrator and the only female Chief Minister of Assam who served the State as well as the people of Assam with utmost dedication and compassion."

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal took to Twitter to pay his condolences to the departed soul. "Saddened by the sudden demise of former Chief Minister of Assam, Syeda AnwaraTaimur. Praying for the departed soul, I offer my heartfelt condolences to her family members and well-wishers," Sonowal wrote on Twitter, paying his tribute.

"A big loss for us all as former CM Syeda Anwara Taimur breathed her last. An able administrator and affable people's person, Syeda Mam was the only woman CM of Assam. A 4-term MLA, she had an illustrious political career spanning over 4 decades. My prayers and condolences," Finance, Health, Education & PWD Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma twitted.

Agriculture Minister and AGP president Atul Bora also condoled the death and prayed for the departed soul.

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