Assam Congress chief passes away

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Anjan Dutta passed away this morning at the AIIMS hospital here following cardiac failure.
Dutta, 64, was admitted to the hospital on May 18, and was under treatment at the department of Pulmonary Sciences.
He was initially admitted to the Apollo Hospital in New Delhi on May 12 with complaints of severe chest infection.
He died due to cardiac failure at 7:11 this morning, Dutta's close relative Geetartha Darshan Baruah said.
The Congress leader leaves behind his wife and three daughters, one of whom had unsuccessfully contested the recent Assembly elections in Assam.
Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi had met him on May 25.

Dutta, a close confidante of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, was a Cabinet Minister handling several departments including transport, in the state in the past.

(REOPENS DEL9)
Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed grief over the demise of Dutta.
Extending her condolences to his wife and daughters, Gandhi said in "the passing away of its President, not only Assam PCC, but the entire Congress as indeed the State of Assam had lost a leader committed to the people".
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over the death of Dutta.
"Extremely saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Anjan Duttaji, Assam PCC President. His passing away is a big loss to @INCIndia & to Assam.My deepest condolences to his family", he tweeted.

Party General Secretary C P Joshi, who is in charge of party affairs in Assam, condoled the death.
"Congress party will miss a Committed partyman, mass leader and seasoned politician. PCC chief @AnjanDuttaINC leaves for heavenly abode #RIP", he tweeted.