Sarat Barkotoky

Sarat Barkotoky (1 March 1935 – 30 October 2023) was an Indian politician from the state of Assam. He was a Member of Assam Legislative Assembly for Sonari constituency and education minister in 2015-16. He was earlier also a Minister of State in the Hiteswar Saikia cabinet.

Early life and education Barkotoky was born in Mathurapur, Sonari on 1 March 1935 to Chandra Barkotoky and Chandra Probha Barkotoky. He had a B.T. Examination in the year 1970 from Dibrugarh University. He also had a B.A. He was made a minister of state in the Hiteswar Saikia cabinet. After Saikia died, he retained his role as minister of state in the short Barman ministry.

In the 2006 Assam Legislative Assembly election, Barkotoky sought reelection. He received 56206 votes, defeating his nearest opponent by 34990 votes. When Tarun Gogoi constituted his new ministry, Barkotoky was not included. He spoke with the Chief Minister when he said the education was the priority in Assam. He also requested that Smriti Irani organise state grants for universities.

In the 2016 Assam Legislative Assembly election, Barkotoky sought reelection as the Congress candidate for Sonari. He received 49210 votes, 37.47% of the total vote. He lost to BJP candidate, Topon Kumar Gogoi, by 24117 votes. He was one of 10 cabinet ministers who lost in the election.

Personal life and death Barkotoky married Bina Barkotoky on 5 June 1965 and they had 3 children; two sons and one daughter. He was interested in sports like Table Tennis, Badminton, Carrom etc. He was associated with various political and cultural organisations. He was also Vice Chairman of the State Planning Board from 2006 and Chairman of the Committee on Estimates, ALA from 2010.