Agartala, 30th April 2026: Tripura Legislative Assembly on Thursday held a one-day special session to pay homage to legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle and former minister Kartik Konya Debbarma, both of whom passed away recently.
Presiding over the session, Speaker Rampada Jamatia expressed deep sorrow while informing the House of Debbarma’s demise. A former MLA and minister in the Tripura government, she breathed her last on March 30 at 4:30 p.m. while undergoing treatment at Agartala Cancer Hospital. She was 72.
Born in 1954, Debbarma was associated with social service and leftist movements from her student days. She entered active politics and was elected to the Assembly in 1993 from the Takarjala constituency. During the third Left Front government, she served as Minister for Social Welfare and Social Education, remembered for her integrity and commitment to uplifting marginalized communities, promoting women’s education, and raising social awareness. The Assembly paid solemn tribute to her memory and conveyed heartfelt condolences to her bereaved family and admirers.
The Speaker also announced the passing of Asha Bhosle, one of India’s most celebrated voices, who died on April 12 at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai following complications from a chest infection and multi-organ failure. She was 92.
Born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Maharashtra, Bhosle enchanted generations with her versatile singing across Hindi cinema and numerous regional languages including Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, and Punjabi. Her voice captured the essence of love, sorrow, joy, and life’s myriad emotions. Over her illustrious career, she was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and many other national and international accolades. Yet, as the Speaker noted, her true recognition lies in the hearts of millions who will remember her forever.
“Asha Bhosle’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in Indian music. Her creativity, dedication, and timeless voice will continue to inspire future generations,” Jamatia said.
The Assembly observed two minutes of silence in memory of both Kartik Konya Debbarma and Asha Bhosle, praying for eternal peace to their departed souls and extending condolences to their grieving families.
