Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) to pay his respects to the departed soul of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi who passed away today at 5:34pm after a prolonged battle with illness.

While addressing the media present there, he said he has lost a "father figure" today and added that the state government as well the state itself will be in mourning for the coming three days.

"The state of Assam has lost a great leader. Tarun Gogoi has diligently worked for the better of Assam. I personally feel I have lost a father figure today," he told reporters.

CM Sonowal further mentioned that a few days ago he visited the veteran Congress leader at GMCH to take stock of his health. Gogoi, who was bedridden, said that he was "absolutely fine" with a smiling face.

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