NEW DELHI, Oct 10 � Two-time Rajya Sabha MP, former Congress Minister in the State and prominent leader from the tea community, Silvius Condpan passed away today at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) following complications arising out of a mild stroke that he had suffered a couple of months back. He was 73.
Condpan, who was undergoing treatment for over two months, was admitted at AIIMS for neurological and other complications. His condition deteriorated last week and doctors shifted him to ICU and put him on ventilation.
Condpan�s wife Teresa Condpan and his youngest son were by his side when the end came at around 7.45 pm. He is survived by three sons and a daughter, besides his wife.
Condpan�s mortal remains are being flown to Guwahati tomorrow and he is likely to be cremated in the city.
Union Minister of State for DoNER, Paban Singh Ghatowar, besides his close relatives and friends rushed to AIIMS upon learning about his demise.
Known for his outspoken nature, Condpan was one of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi�s most bitter critics and had become a rallying point for the anti-Gogoi camp. Despite stiff opposition, In April 2010 Condpan managed to secure nomination for the second term in Rajya Sabha and wrested the seat in a close contest in the Assembly that saw some of the opposition MLAs cross-voting.
An advocate by profession, Condpan was a Minister in late Hiteswar Saikia�s Cabinet. He also served as the Congress Legislature Party chief. He was an elected MLA for over 23 years and held various posts in the party, including the post of the general secretary. He had also served as the president and general secretary of Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha, among other organisations.
He was one of the senior most members of the State Congress, who first became a MLA in 1978 and continued till 2004. He was vice chairman of the State Planning Board (with the status of a Cabinet Minister) and in April 2004 was elected to Rajya Sabha.
A prominent leader of the tea community, Condpan was conferred Dr BR Ambedkar Award with the recommendation of the Assam State Dalit Sahitya Academy in 2003.
Condpan began his career as a clerk in the State Government and was cccounts clerk in the NF Railway headquarters at Maligaon. He had also worked as a teacher for 10 years in various schools, including Don Bosco High School, Guwahati.