Imphal, Jan. 27 :    Imphal, Jan. 27:  State Samata Party president and MLA Basantakumar Wangkhem passed away yesterday following a cardiac arrest at Noida Medical Centre in Noida. Basantakumar's sudden demise has shocked the Opposition camp in Manipur as he was instrumental in ensuring that the Samata Party emerged as the largest Opposition party in the state. Fifty-three-year-old Basantakumar, who is also a pioneer of food processing industries in the state, is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons. He had left Imphal for treatment at New Delhi on January 15. Opposition Manipur Democratic Front (MDF) leaders said Basantakumar had booked a seat at New Delhi's Apollo Hospital for a kidney transplant. As there was hectic politicking to topple the Nipamacha Singh-led ministry, Basantakumar had tried to postpone the transplantation by undergoing dialysis at Noida Medical Centre. Sources said the dialysis was conducted on Thursday at the Noida Medical Centre, but his condition worsened. He died yesterday at the centre following a cardiac arrest. His body was brought here today. Chief minister Nipamacha Singh, his Cabinet colleagues, Speaker Sapam Dhananjoy and all the Opposition members paid their last respects to the departed leader at the Assembly campus. After that his body was taken to the state Samata Party office for the party workers to pay their last respects. The body was then taken to Kshetrigao constituency, which he represented. The last rites will be performed tomorrow, family source said. Basantakumar was first elected on a Janata Dal ticket from Kshetrigao Assembly constituency in 1995. But he could not complete the full term after he was disqualified from the House under the Anti-Defection Law. He then joined the Samata Party, led by defence minister George Fernandes.