KARNATAKA : CPI(M) stages protest against price rise

 

BELLARY: The police arrested 155 activists of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), including 48 women, when they tried to break through the barricades to enter the premises of Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Thursday. They were later released.

In response to the Statewide call given by the CPI(M) to lay siege to Deputy Commissioner’s offices in all districts in protest against the spiralling prices of essential commodities and the failure of the Union and State governments to check the price rise, over 300 activists of the CPI(M), the CITU and other affiliated organisations, participated in the dharna, shouting slogans.

The activists insisted that Deputy Commissioner should come to receive the memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister, and said they did not want to hand it over to the Additional Deputy Commissioner who had come to meet them.

When there was no sign of their demand being met, the protesters tried to break through the barricades and were arrested.

CPI (M) leaders criticised the Union and State governments for their “anti-people policies”.

Their demands included dropping the forward trading system, banning multinationals from storing foodgrains and entering the retail trade, action against hoarders, dropping proposals to acquire fertile land for non-agricultural purposes, strengthening the PDS, and enhancing crop loss compensation to Rs. 10,000 an acre.

Gulbarga: Members of the Left parties and several trade unions affiliated to left parties called off their three-day round-the-clock dharna in front of the Vikas Soudha here on Thursday. The decision was taken following an assurance by Deputy Commissioner R. Vishal that he would convene a meeting of officials of the departments concerned in the second week of February to meet the demands of the protesters.

The protesters wanted the Government to curb price rise of essential commodities, provide food security to the displaced families in all the flood-hit villages, issue BPL cards to all the low-income group of employees working in anganwadis, under Akshara Dasoha, in government hostels and gram panchayats.

Members of the Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist) and 11 trade unions affiliated to them including the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha, Janawadi Mahila Sanghatne, Construction Workers Sangha, Students’ Federation of India, and Democratic Youth Federation of India, led by the State Secretariat member of the CPM Nityanandaswamy, District Secretary of the CPI Shoukat Ali Alur, District Secretary of the CPM Bhimshetty Yempalli and others, came in a procession from the Jagat Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Relief for displaced

Members of the district unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) went in a procession from Ambedkar Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office where they staged a dharna in Raichur on Thursday.

They submitted a memorandum to the district administration stating their demands. It being a state-wide protest, the demands of the protesters in Raichur district were the same as that in Gulbarga.

However, the memorandum said that if their demands were not met in two days, then they would gherao the officials at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday.

Kariyappa Acholli, Secretary of the district unit of the CPI (M) party, led the agitation. He said that there were over one lakh flood-affected families in 130 villages in Raichur district. Except for temporary shelters and supply of some foodgrains initially, the Government had done nothing to ensure that the displaced got foodgrains. According to Mr. Acholli, the Government has failed to respond to the problems of the displaced families.

He said that the Government has asked the displaced families to procure foodgrains from the ration depots in their respective villages. But the displaced families have lost everything, including ration cards, in the floods. Besides, they have no source of income because they are all unemployed.

Mr. Acholli said that besides providing BPL cards to all the displaced families in the district, the Government should release 35 kg of rice at Rs. 2 a kg every month through the public distribution system (PDS). This arrangement should be continued until the Government completes the process of rehabilitation and the relocation of the flood-hit villages.

MYSORE: Demanding below the poverty line (BPL) ration cards for the eligible and the supply of foodgrains to all card holders, several hundred workers of the district unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) laid siege to the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Thursday.

The workers alleged that the Union and State governments used unscientific methods to identify beneficiaries and issue BPL cards, when a vast majority of the population was reeling under the pressure of escalating prices of essential commodities. They also raised slogans and displayed placards in support of their cause.

The protest was led by CPI(M) district secretary L. Jagannath and treasurer Balaji. They later submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, urging him to ensure that their demands were met immediately.

‘No concern’

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Jagannath alleged that while the people in the State were adversely affected by unprecedented floods and drought, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government, instead of coming to their rescue, engaged in questionable tactics to remain in power. The Government had no concern for the poor, who were entirely dependent on public distribution system (PDS), he added. Instead, the poor were forced to buy foodgrains at a higher rate in the open market.

Charging the Centre with implementing liberalisation policies recklessly, Mr. Jagannath alleged that the Government was favouring black marketeers and hoarders, and the State Government had turned a blind eye to the woes of the people. The State Government was providing rice at Rs. 4 a kg, when neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments were providing rice at Rs. 2 a kg.

He demanded that the wages for workers in the unorganised sector be increased to Rs. 6,000 a month.

MANGALORE: A large number of Communist Party of India (Marxist) workers took out a procession here on Thursday to protest against rise in the prices of essential commodities and to demand ration cards to all below the poverty line (BPL) families.

Some of the party workers who broke through the security cordon at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and barged into the premises were taken into custody.

The State committee of the party had given a call for the protest.

Earlier, addressing the protesters in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, B. Madhava, district unit president of the party, alleged that quantity of foodgrains being supplied to the poor through the Public Distribution System (PDS) was being reduced, endangering the food security.

He urged that the State Government fulfil its promise of providing 20 kg of rice at Rs. 2 a kg every month to poor families.

He threatened that the party would intensify the agitation if the demands were not fulfilled.

Even as Mr. Madhava was addressing the protesters, some of the party activists pushed aside a few policemen at the main gate of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, barged into the premises and started protesting in front of the Tahsildar’s Office. They were all taken into custody.

Later, the protesters, including party leaders Vasanth Achari and Sunil Kumar Bajal, courted arrest. All of them were released later.

Members of the Udupi district unit of the CPI (M) laid siege to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office here on Thursday, protesting against increase in the prices of essential commodities.

Secretary of the district unit of the party K. Shankar said that both the Union and State governments were following identical policies that were detrimental to the interests of the common man.

The Government should distribute ration cards to all poor families. All ration card-holders should be provided 35 kg of rice and pulses at Rs. 2 a kg every month. The PDS should be strengthened and stern action taken against those found hoarding foodgrains. The Government should also reduce the prices of petrol and diesel, Mr. Shankar said.

Wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act should be increased to Rs. 150 a day and employment should be provided for a minimum of 200 days, Mr. Shankar said.

CPI (M) leaders Vishwanath Rai, A.S. Acharya, Dasbhandary, Dogu Suvarna, Ramesh Mendon, S. Kaviraj, Vidyaraj, H. Vittal, Suresh Kalagar and Mahabala Voderhobli were present.

The protesters were arrested by the police and released later.

KOLAR : Hundreds of activists of the CPI(M), the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS), the Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane (JMS) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) from different parts of the Kolar district came in a procession. Most of them were women, some even carrying children. They raised slogans against the State and Union governments for their failure in containing the prices of essential commodities.

The stir was organised in response to a call given by the CPI(M) State committee to hold a ‘DC office chalo’ in support of the demand to provide food security to the poor.

Along with the State-level demand, the outfits also raised issues pertaining to irregularities in ration depots and in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Initially, the absence of Deputy Commissioner N. Prabhakar reportedly infuriated the protesters and they insisted that he come to the spot to hear their grievances. When Mr. Prabhakar, said to be away in Srinivaspur on official work, failed to turn up, the activists tried to barge into the office. The heavy police contingent had a tough time stopping them. When they picked up CPI(M) State committee member Gandhinagar Narayanswami and CITU leader Yellappa and tried to arrest them, the irate mob surrounded the police van in an attempt to block the police from arresting their leaders. “Don’t arrest only leaders. All of us are ready to court arrest,” they shouted.

During the heated exchange between the police and protesters, some police personnel allegedly trampled several women, besides beating them with lathis. This only infuriated the agitators and they demanded action against the police responsible for the excess.

Later, all the protesters were arrested and lodged at the Police Training Centre premises.

(Courtesy : The Hindu, Mangalorean.com)

CITU Kerala State Conference Begins

Eleventh CITU  Kerala State Conference, started here in Thrissur with a clarion call to build an united Trade union movement to confront the challenged posed by the neo-liberal policies. CITU All India President Inaugurated the Delegate Session. The Delegate session started with flag hoisting by Com . K N Raveendranath, CITU State President. Afterwards the delegates payed homage to the Martyrs. After the inaugural sesssion, Com M M Lawrance, CITU State Secretary tabled the Organizational Report.

Unity of trade unions vital: M.K. Pandhe

Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) president M.K. Pandhe has said the unity of trade unions is vital in the struggle for the emancipation of the working class. He was addressing the 11th State conference of the CITU here on Thursday.

Charter of demands

“Transcending political divides, trade unions are fighting for a five-point charter of demands: checking spiralling prices of essential commodities, growing unemployment, collapse of labour laws, rampant privatisation and setting up of a special fund for the social security of the working class.”

“The central trade unions will launch a nation-wide ‘Jail Baro Andolan’ on March 5 to press for the demands. The CITU, INTUC, BMS, HMS, UTUC, AICCTU and TUCC will take part in it.,”

Dr. Pandhe pooh-poohed the Union government’s claims that the country was enjoying economic progress.

“India ranks 134th among 182 countries in human development, according to the ‘Human Development Report 2009 Overcoming Barriers: Human Mobility and Development’ published by the UNDP. India has 52 dollar billionaires who control one-fourth of the economy. The Union government’s economic packages had boosted the profitability of industries, but they have not helped workers. As many as one crore workers have lost jobs following recession. Minimum wages are not implemented,” he said.

Media downplays violence by Hindutva brigade: Pinarayi

CPI(M) State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan has alleged that the media overstates terror activities perpetrated by a minority among the Muslim community, but downplays violence and extremism committed by the Hindutva brigade.

He was addressing a seminar on ‘Challenges raised by fundamentalism and terrorism’ held as part of the 11th State conference of CITU here on Thursday. “Consider how the issue of Malegaon blast was handled. You may have noticed that there is no propaganda against the RSS in this case,” he said.

He condemned the reported tendency to see all Muslims as fundamentalists.

“Only a few members of the community have chosen the wrong path of terrorism. They have taken a suicidal step and it needs to be condemned. Terrorism is not an answer to the problems faced by minorities. People should know that solutions can be derived only through democratic, humanistic means,” he said. He alleged that the Congress was in cahoots with fundamentalists.

“The Indian Union Muslim League, a member of the UDF, protects the National Development Front. Why should the Congress, which claims to be a secular party, tie up with the NDF?”

He said the Congress and its then Prime Minister could not wash its hands of having promoted and protected forces that demolished the Babri Masjid. “Who promoted Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and ultimately toppled him? History has recorded its aftermath,” he said.

A. Vijayaraghavan and P.R. Rajan, MPs; LDF convener Vaikom Viswan; CPI(M) district secretary Baby John; M.M. Varghese, general convener of the conference; and Ninan Koshy were present.

(Courtesy : The Hindu)

 

CPI(M), Rectification and Religion : Prakash Karat

Dr K S Manoj, a former MP of the CPI(M) from Kerala, has announced recently that he is quitting the Party.  The reason cited by him is that the Party, in its rectification document, has directed Party members not to participate in religious ceremonies.  Since he is a firm believer, this goes against his faith. Hence he has decided to give up his Party membership.

This step by Dr Manoj has been projected by some sections of the media as if  being a member of the CPI(M) would be incompatible with the religious faith of a person.   Some well-meaning religious leaders have asked the Party if this is a decision taken to exclude believers from the Party.  First of all, the CPI(M)'s basic stand on religion needs to be spelt out.  The CPI(M) is a Party based on the Marxist outlook.    Marxism is a materialist philosophy and its views on religion share the same roots as the Enlightenment philosophers of the 18^th century.  Based on this, Marxists want the State to treat religion as a private affair.  There should be a separation of State and religion.

Marxists are atheists, i.e., they believe in no religion. But Marxists understand the origin of religion and the role it plays in society.  As Marx said, “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of the heartless world, just as it is the spirit of the spiritless situation”.  Hence, Marxism does not attack religion per se. But the social conditions which make it “the sigh of the oppressed creature”. 

Lenin, while expounding the Marxist standpoint  on religion and its atheist outlook, himself posed the questions: “If this is so, why do we not declare in our Programme that we are atheists?  Why do we not forbid Christians and other believers in God to join our Party?”  Lenin answered these questions by explaining that for Marxists, the attitude to religion is determined by the concrete conditions of the class struggle.  The priority for the working class party is to unite workers irrespective  of whether they believe in religion or not,  in the class struggle against the oppressive capitalist order.  As Lenin put it: “Unity in this really revolutionary struggle of the oppressed class for the creation of a paradise on earth is more important to us than unity of  proletarian opinion on paradise in heaven”. 

Therefore, while the CPI(M) upholds the materialist outlook, it does not bar people having religious faith from joining the Party.  The only condition for membership is acceptance of the Party Programme, the Constitution and the willingness to work under Party discipline in an organisational unit of the Party.

In the present Indian conditions, the CPI(M) is not fighting religion but communalism based on religious identity.  The CPI(M) is a consistent advocate of the rights of religious minorities. 

There are, among the members of the CPI(M), some who have religious faith.  They belong to the working class, peasantry and other sections of the working people.  Among them some go to the temple, mosque or church to pray.  They, like Dr Manoj himself has said, combine their religious faith with work among the poor and the toiling people. 

The CPI(M) has no hesitation to join hands with  believers and those religious leaders who espouse the cause of the poor, or, act in defence of the rights of the working people.

In Kerala itself, there is a long history of such cooperation. EMS Namboodiripad had written about the areas of Marxist-Christian cooperation and conducted a dialogue with some of the leaders of the church. Having said this, the issue at present is not the basic position of the CPI(M) towards religion and people of faith joining the Party. It is to do with the rectification campaign that is being undertaken within the Party.

The Party expects its leading cadres to absorb the Marxist world outlook based on dialectical materialism.  By this, in the process of becoming a Marxist, Party members adopt the scientific world outlook and shed  religious belief. 

There are two aspects of religious activity which are mentioned in the rectification campaign document adopted by the Central Committee. 

One of the guidelines given is educate the Party members to eschew all social, caste and religious practices which are alien to Communist norms.   Party members are not being asked to give up their religious faith or practice.  But if there is any religious custom or practice which goes against Communist norms such as practice of untouchability, depriving women of equal rights or obscurantist customs such as preventing widows from remarriage etc. which are given religious sanction – these are to be given up.  The direction in the rectification campaign is to see that Party members do not practice social, or, religious customs which entail caste, gender or social discrimination.

The second refers to the guidelines for the conduct of leading Party functionaries  and elected representatives.   They have been asked not to host  lavish weddings for their family members and refrain from taking dowry.  They have also been asked not to organise religious ceremonies or  personally conduct religious rituals.  Leading Party cadres such as leaders of state committee, district committee, zonal/area committees etc are expected to uphold progressive values in their personal and social lives.  They should not organise religious ceremonies, or, personally conduct rituals. It is another matter that they may have to participate in social functions with religious ceremonies organised by others, especially if they are elected representatives like MLAs, panchayat members and so on.  Communist Party leaders cannot profess something in public and do something else in their personal life. 

So, to sum up: The Communist Party does not bar persons who have religious faith from joining the Party.  While they may practice their faith, they are expected to also uphold secularism and oppose the intrusion of religion into the affairs of the State.

The rectification guidelines are designed to help Communist Party members live by Communist norms and values.  As far as the leading cadres are concerned, the Party expects them to behave like Marxists both in their public and private life. 

Dr Manoj is wrong in stating that the CPI(M) guidelines for its leading cadres on religious practice is against the Indian constitution.  The constitution provides for a secular State which guarantees the right to practice one's religion to a citizen.  It also ensures the right for a citizen not to practice religion.  The CPI(M) is an organisation in which citizens voluntarily join if they subscribe to its philosophy. 

The guidelines referred to are not new.  They were set out in 1996 when the first rectification campaign document was adopted.  Anyway, since the matter has now been raised, it is necessary for us to clarify the Party's stand on religion and the Communist outlook.

(Peoples Democracy)

CITU Kerala State Conference From Tommorow onwards

11th CITU Kerala state conference will start from tomorrow at Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala. The conference will conclude on 23rd with a huge rally. 650 delegates representing around 13 lakh members of the organisation will participate in the conference. The conference will be inaugurated by Com M K Pandhe, CITU All India President on 21st morning. CITU State General Secretary Com. K N Raveendranath will hoist the flag. On the opening day evening a Seminar on the subject "Challenges posed by Communalism and Terrorism" will be inaugurated by Com. Pinarayi Vijayan. On the second day a Seminar on "Global economic Crisis and Working Class " will be inaugurated by Com. Sitaram Yechury. The concluding day rally and meeting will be inaugurated by Com. V S Achuthanandan. The conference will discuss various issues relating to labour front and the working class. Discussions will be held on unity among trade unions to fight the threat faced by the working class from the capitalist forces.

LONG LIVE COMRADE JYOTHI BABU

“It is man and man alone, who creates history. Despite many crest and thrust people will finally emerge victorious and go in freedom in a classless society free from exploitation of any form.”

 

“Whatever be the impediments, the Leftists will work in the interest of the workers and the common people. We will never accept the way the central government is surrendering to (the) imperialists,”

“I can’t live without the party and if I don’t attend the meetings, won’t be able to know what’s happening here. That’s why, I decided to come to Alimuddin Street (party headquarters).”

"We do believe that not capitalism but socialism is the way towards human progress, and the October Revolution teaches us to move forward along that path."

 

“I never feel distanced when I speak to thousands and thousands of people…instead I feel a tremendous surge of energy, a wish to reach out to them, to communicate with them and be one with them.”

 

 

We should not be complacent. And we must do what we have promised to do, and must make sure that people can understand what we are doing, they can understand our programme. Not only that, we have to correct our mistakes. We have made mistakes, and we acknowledged them. We have to take lessons from these mistakes."

We reiterate in our updated programme that the threat to parliamentary democracy comes not from the working people and the parties which represent their interests. The threat comes from the exploiting classes and the parties which represent their interests.

Along with struggles in political, economic, social spheres we are of the view that ideological confrontation with communal, fundamentalist, obscurantist, undemocratic and pro-imperialist forces are of prime interest in today's situation.

"We are still optimistic about our objectives. It will take time. Perhaps not in my lifetime, but later on. We hope for the best."

I believe that under such bourgeois structure, we should take whatever little advantage from that system. Our aim is to build a class-less, non-exploiting society, for which we have to continue our fight. Though I don’t know how long it will take time.

“With the installation of the LF front government in West Bengal on 21st June, 1977, a new era had started in Indian politics and in the life of the Indian people. We knew that under such social structure and constitutional limitations we cannot change every thing, we promised to give minimum relief for common man, after 30 years, I think what we have done for people is more than minimum relief, in defence of the interest of people, we implemented the alternative approach of development” 

India bids adieu to Jyoti Basu

 

LAAL SALAM COMRADE JYOTHI BABU....

Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, the late Jyoti Basu received a military guard of honour accompanied by a formal gun salute by the Kolkata Police here on Tuesday before his body was handed over to the authorities of the Institute of post-Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGMER), as he had pledged his body to medical research.

A military escort of pallbearers brought the body, mounted on a gun carriage, from the West Bengal Legislative Assembly to Mohur Kunj, a citizen park, where a police contingent waited to present the guard of honour.

A huge crowd of supporters and admirers of the veteran Marxist leader followed the body on foot to the destination, where hundreds had already assembled. Pressing against police barricades, the milling crowds chanted slogans and bid their last “Laal salam” to their beloved leader.

In a solemn ceremony, attended by several dignitaries and senior leaders of the CPI(M) and other Left parties, a two-minute silence was observed and three volleys were fired.

The body was then taken away to its final destination, IPGMER. Biman Bose, Secretary of the West Bengal State Committee of the CPI(M) later handed over the consent documents to Pradip Mitra, Director of IPGMER and other officials of the institute, and received a certificate in return.

IANS adds

Hundreds of thousands of people poured into the streets of Kolkata to bid a final farewell to Marxist icon the late Jyoti Basu on Tuesday, with many party colleagues breaking into tears. A galaxy of national leaders and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina thronged the state funeral that brought West Bengal to a halt.

People peeked from windows and balconies. Many tried to break barricades to get closer to the cortege, leading to minor scuffles with security personnel. Hundreds of party activists carried the hammer-and-sickle red flags as they marched on.

In the assembly, where the late Basu lay in state, over 200,000 people reportedly filed past his body, and there was a near stampede as the long wait for a last glimpse of their leader made some mourners restive.

Leaders pay homage

Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina, its former president H.M. Ershad along with ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi were among the dignitaries who paid their last respects to the departed leader.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Hamid Ansari on Basu's body.

Ms. Sonia Gandhi placed a white wreath, stood for a while and then left. She was accompanied by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani were also present.

Among others who offered floral tributes were BJP president Nitin Gadkari, Janata Dal-United president Sharad Yadav, Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief and former railway minister Lalu Prasad, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu, Nationalist Congress Party chairman Sharad Pawar and former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee.

The Venezuelan ambassador to India placed a wreath on behalf of his country's president Hugo Chavez.

A tearful farewell

Touching scenes were witnessed when the hearse carrying the late Jyoti Basu's body reached the party headquarters Muzaffar Ahmed Bhavan as all members of the politburo came out, their fists clenched in traditional red salute.

With tears in their eyes, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat, his colleagues Sitaram Yechury, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and his Kerala and Tripura counterparts V.S. Achuthananadan and Manik Sarkar carried the late Basu's body on their shoulders to place it on a makeshift platform raised on the portico.

The late Jyoti Basu was the last surviving member of the party's nine-member politburo that founded the CPI(M) in 1964.

With small photos of the late Jyoti Basu pinned on their chests, the politburo members gave floral tributes. The granddaughters of the Marxist patriarch - Koel, Doel and Payel - broke down as they garlanded him.

The cortege moved on. The late Jyoti Basu's body was placed on a raised platform in an open truck for better public view. At the Writers' Buildings, the seat of the state government, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee paid floral tributes to the man he succeeded in 2000.

CPI(M) cadres in the procession sang "The International", carried 96 flags at half mast to denote his age and held aloft posters that read 'Jyoti Babu, Lal Salam!' besides forming human chains throughout the route.

Cutting Across Country, State, Language and Color of flag, People pay homage to the Legendary Revolutionary

Tripura mourns Jyoti Basu's death

Agartala, Jan 18 : The Tripura government Monday mourned the death of veteran communist leader Jyoti Basu, who died in Kolkata Sunday, saying the state has lost one of its best friends.

"Tripura has lost one of its best friends," said a state government condolence resolution that was passed at a special cabinet meeting Monday.

The state would be in mourning Monday and Tuesday and a holiday is declared on Tuesday.

"The national flag would fly at half-mast and official functions would remain suspended for two days (Monday and Tuesday)," an official told reporters.

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, who chaired the special cabinet meeting, left here Monday noon to attend Basu's last procession in Kolkata Tuesday. Eight other top leaders of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) accompanied Sarkar.

"Basu had very good and hearty relations with the people of Tripura. He rushed to Tripura whenever the state needed his help. It is not easy to fill the void," the cabinet resolution added.

The state committee of the CPI-M would organise silent processions across Tripura Tuesday and hold condolence meetings Jan 25 in all divisions as a mark of respect to one of India's tallest political leaders.

"When the Left Front government led by former chief minister Nripen Chakraborty assumed office for the first time in Tripura in 1978, Basu had helped the government by giving him invaluable advices," a CPI-M statement said.

The statement said: "Basu had also helped the government and party in Tripura to deal with the attacks on party leaders and workers by Congress and its allies and to develop the state and its people."

Catholic Church to offer special prayers

New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) Condoling the death of former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu, the Catholic church Monday said special prayers will be offered for the repose of his soul. Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi archdiocese, Franco Mulakkal said: “His love and concern for the poor as well as his call for justice and equality to all and sundry, which is also what the Church believes in and promotes, find a proper resonance with the teachings of the Bible.”

“Special prayers during worship will be offered for the repose of the soul of Basu, whose death is a major loss for the country. He will continue to inspire all who would like to aspire to be in politics to live for the good of the others,” he added.

The bishop offered the church’s condolences to Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) politburo member Sitaram Yechury at the party headquarters here.

Chinese diplomat describes Jyoti Basu as 'China's great friend'

Kolkata: A top Chinese diplomat today described Jyoti Basu as "China's great friend" and India's "greatest communist" while paying floral respect to the departed leader.

"Deepest condolence for the passing away of India's greatest communist and China's great friend, comrade Jyoti Basu," the Consul General of China in Kolkata Mao Siwei wrote in the condolence book at the CPI(M) headquarters here at Alimuddin Street.

Siwei laid a floral wreath before the former West Bengal chief minister's photograph.

Jyothi Basu's Death : Three day mourning in Bihar

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in a mark of respect for the veteran Communist leader Jyoti Basu who died in Kolkata on Sunday at the age of 95, declared three day of statewide mourning saying Mr. Basu, in his long career as a politician, never compromised with his principles or swayed away from the ideals he held so dearly.

During the 3-day mourning period, no government cultural program would take place and the national flags at all government offices would fly at half-mast, a government directive said.

"Mr. Basu's death is a great loss for the nation that can never be fulfilled again. He could have become the Prime Minister of India in 1996 but he rejected the idea to remain the leader of his state where he served for over seven decades," the Chief Minister said.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad Yadav who, just days ago paid a visit to Basu at the hospital in Kolkata where he was admitted in, also expressed his grief over the death of the Communist leader. ''I have lost a person who was like a guardian to me," Yadav said on Sunday.

Bangladesh Parliament mourns Jyoti Basu's Death

Dhaka: Breaking News! The Bangladesh parliament has passed a unanimous resolution, mourning the death of veteran CPI-M leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu and recalled his contribution to the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to visit Kolkata tomorrow to pay respects to Jyoti Basu, who died at the age of 95 yesterday.

"Jyoti Basu was not a name for South Asia, he was an institution. I must go there to pay my respect to the great leader", said Sheikh Hasina. She became emotional and her voice was choked, while talking about the late leader.

Jyoti Basu had played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. He was instrumental in clinching the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty in 1996. He had also helped Bangladesh government to bring back refugees from India after signing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Treaty.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also declared that Jyoti Basu’s home at Sonargaon in Narayanganj district would be transformed into a library as per the last wises of the departed leader. Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia too expressed her deep condolence over the demise of Jyoti Basu.

Andhra Pradesh govt condoles Jyoti Basu's death

Hyderabad, Jan 18 (PTI) The Andhra Pradesh Council of Ministers condoled the death of former Chief Minister of West Bengal and veteran CPI-M leader Jyoti Basu.

The state cabinet that met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister K Rosaiah passed a resolution expressing 'deep sorrow and condolences' over the death of Jyoti Basu.

The cabinet recalled the abilities of the departed leader, who was the longest-serving Chief Minister in the country. The cabinet also expressed its condolences to the bereaved family.

Silent rally to mourn Jyoti Basu

Glowing tributes were paid to former West Bengal Chief Minister and veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Jyoti Basu, who passed away in Kolkata on Sunday, by members of various political parties here on Monday.

A silent procession was taken out in the city to mourn the death of Jyoti Basu and as a mark of respect to the late leader in which members of the CPI(M), Communist Party of India, Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Indian National League took part.

Wearing black badges, the processionists carried portraits of the late leader during the silent procession that started from the Gandhi Market arch and culminated at the Town Hall passing via the Big Bazaar street.

A condolence meeting was organised by the CPI(M) at the Town Hall where a portrait of Jyoti Basu was garlanded. Paying rich tributes to the veteran leader, representatives of various political parties described Jyoti Basu as a towering personality not only in the Indian Left movement but in Indian politics as well.

Recalling his association with Jyoti Basu in the Politburo, veteran CPI(M) leader R. Umanath, who is currently a member of the party’s central committee, described Mr. Basu as a “selfless comrade”.

Though there was an opportunity for Mr. Jyoti Basu to become the Prime Minister at one point of time, the CPI(M) took a different stand on the issue then. Mr. Basu accepted the party’s decision and did not accept the post of the Prime Minister, Mr. Umanath recalled.

The party was supreme for Mr. Jyoti Basu, Mr. Umanath said exhorting the cadres to follow his path.

Mayor S. Sujatha said Jyoti Basu was a clean leader, firm in his principles and ideology. The MDMK urban district secretary A. Malarmannan said Jyoti Basu was a guiding force for many in politics.

The Tiruchi urban district Congress Committee president Jerome Arokiaraj said Jyoti Basu as Chief Minister of West Bengal for several years had carved a niche for himself in administration and governance for others to emulate.

CPI district secretary Indrajith said West Bengal under Jyoti Basu’s rule had set an example for other States in areas such as land reforms and sharing of water. CPI(M) district secretary Sridhar said in Mr. Basu’s death the country had lost a great administrator and an able leader. Mr. Basu had given life to and allocated sufficient funds for local bodies, he added.

The Deputy Mayor K. Anbazhagan and DMK MLA K.N. Sekaran also spoke on the occasion.

Red Flowers to the Stalwart pouring from across the country

CHENNAI: Governor Surjit Singh Barnala on Sunday expressed grief and shock at the news of the death of former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu.

Calling him a charismatic leader known for administration and simplicity, Mr. Barnala said his death was an irreparable loss to the country, West Bengal in particular.

CPI (M) State secretary N. Varadarajan said: “He lived as a role model for all leftist, democratic, secular forces and an example for cleanliness in public life.” He called on CPI (M) workers to fly the party flag at half-mast all over the State for three days and to participate in large numbers in condolence processions organised by party units.

PMK founder S. Ramadoss said that Basu, who was the only person to be Chief Minister continuously for 23 years, had found a place in the hearts of the poor through his vigorous land redistribution efforts. He expressed his condolences to family and party members.

Union Minister G.K. Vasan said Basu was among the most important Left intellectuals who fought for Independence. In his 70 years in public life, he had shone as a defender of the rights of the underprivileged sections of society. Su. Thirunavukkarasar, former MP, said Basu’s demise was the end of an era.

K. Veeramani, president, Dravidar Kazhagam, said his death had created a deep void in public life.

Venu Srinivasan, president, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), said: “During his [Basu’s] tenure, West Bengal played host to the maiden edition of Partnership Summit in 1995, CII’s flagship programme on building linkages across the globe. We had one more edition during his tenure and Shri Basu played a pivotal role in both these editions”.

Mukul Somany, chairman, CII – Eastern Region said that in Basu’s death, West Bengal had lost a towering icon, as also a wonderful human being who had devoted himself for the well being of the people of West Bengal.

 COIMBATORE: Political parties in Coimbatore paid on Sunday rich tributes to veteran Communist leader and former Chief Minister of West Bengal Jyoti Basu who passed away in Kolkata.

Representatives of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and other parties described him as a true communist who strove for the uplift of the downtrodden sections and one who endeared himself to the masses by understanding their problems and working to solve these.

The CPI (M) organised a procession and a public meeting to mourn the party leader.

Party district secretary U.K. Vellingiri, Coimbatore Mayor R. Venkatachalam, former Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP M. Ramanathan Coimbatore Corporation North Zone Chairman C. Padmanabhan and South Zone Chairman P. Pynthamil were among those who took part in these.

Coimbatore MP and former district secretary of the CPI (M) P.R. Natarjan said Mr. Basu’s land reforms that led to the poor being provided with several lakhs of acres was a path-breaking measure that sought to raise the living standards of the downtrodden.

Kongunadu Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary E.R. Easwaran said in a statement that apart from championing the cause of the marginalised sections, Mr. Basu also provided a clean and transparent administration as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

His death was a loss not only for the CPI (M), but also for the entire nation, the statement said.

Various political leaders in Tirupur district also condoled the death of Mr. Basu.

The Tirupur-district unit of Communist Party of India (Marxist) would hold a condolence meeting on Monday.

Tirupur MLAC. Govindasamy described him as a great Communist who strengthened secularism and deepened democracy.

Former MP K. Subbarayan (CPI) described Mr. Basu as one of the last few leaders who belonged to the ‘gentleman era’. AICC member S.K. Kharventhan also mourned the death of Mr. Basu.

Imphal : As a mark of respect on the demise of former West Bengal Chief Minister and Marxist leader Jyoti Basu, the CPI (M) Manipur State Committee will observe week-long condolence session even as many political figures and leaders of other political parties have conveyed condolences on the passing away of the CPM matriarch.
According to CPI (M) Manipur's secretariat member Yumnam Ratan the party flag will fly at half mast for a week as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
state unit of the CPI held a condolence meeting at its head office here, today with B Sharma, who is the State secretariat member of the party later said, "He (Jyoti Basu) was a true leader not only of his party but also the whole nation.
He successfully led the Left movement to a great extent in the country" .
President of the MPP Dr Nimaichand Luwang also conveyed the party's condolence at the demise of Jyoti Basu.
"We deeply condole his demise.  The country has lost a great leader," he added.

HYDERABAD: Governor E. S. L. Narasimhan, Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, presidents of Telugu Desam, Praja Rajyam and Lok Satta parties N. Chandrababu Naidu, K. Chiranjeevi and Jayaprakash Narayan, respectively, on Sunday condoled the death of CPI(M) veteran and former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu.

In his condolence message, the Governor said Basu had the distinction of serving as Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1977 to 2000 with an impeccable track record. “He was a fine public-spirited leader of the masses. He will be long remembered for his role as a statesman of great repute,” he said.

In his message, Mr. Rosaiah said Basu was a true communist, statesman and a charismatic leader, who strode the Bengal political arena as a colossus for over six decades.

Mr. Naidu while praising the late leader’s long stint as Chief Minister said he had rendered yeomen service to the poor.

Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan observed that the greatest tribute one can pay to the CPI(M) leader was to imbibe his qualities of extraordinary moderation, restraint and reconciliation of conflicting interests and steadfast adherence to the middle path in a diverse society.

Bandaru Dattatreya, State BJP president, said the death was a loss to the nation. The CPI State Council hailed him as an intellectual who played a stellar role in the country’s Communist movement. Party secretary K. Narayana recalled his role as the committee chairman to resolve the irrigation water row between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The CPI(M) State Committee said in Basu’s death the country had suffered an irreparable loss. Party secretary B.V. Raghavulu recalled his visit to Diviseema during the 1977 cyclone and his plea to Jawaharlal Nehru to release Telangana farm leaders.

Meanwhile, former Speaker K. R. Suresh Reddy will represent the State Government at the funeral in Kolkata on Tuesday.

GUNTUR: Rich tributes were paid to former Chief Minister of West Bengal Jyoti Basu who passed away on Sunday.

At a condolence meeting held at the Communist Party of India (Marxist) party office, party state committee member P. Murali Krishna said that Jyoti Basu was the tallest Marxist leader who had played a stellar role in raising the party esteem in the international arena. He reminded that Basu was the last of the nine Politburo members to pass away.

Party district secretary D. Rama Devi and Rythu Sangham secretary D. Narasimha Rao paid floral tributes to Basu.

KHAMMAM: The red flag was flown in a half mast on the Sundarayya Bhavan as the CPI(M) district unit mourned the demise of veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu on Sunday. Political leaders and elected representatives from different parties and trade unionists joined the CPI(M) leaders in condoling the death of the Marxist icon. Calling it an end of a great era of principled politics in the country, they said the communist movement had lost its patriarch.

Jyoti Basu had been to Khammam as part of his party campaign in 1978 and 1999. He had been a beacon of inspiration to the Communist cadres and the movement in the district as well as the state and he would remain so for ever, according to Thammineni Veerabhadram, party central committee member and former MP. He said Jyoti Basu in his 23 years of rule as the chief Minister of West Bengal had emerged as the man of the masses.

He had a splendid record in attending the problems of the poor people and the voiceless millions.

The strong mass base of the Marxist party in West Bengal owed to his reforms.

His commitment to values and integrity earned him a permanent place in the hearts of the people in the country, he added. CPI(M) district secretary Potineni Sudarshan Rao, who presided over the meeting, said Jyoti Basu had dedicated his life to building of the Marxist party as well as the Communist movement.

CPI(M) leaders Bugaveeti Sarala and Bandaruu Ravikumar and a host of others said the party as well as the country had lost a great leader.

TDP pays tributes

Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party Leader and Khammam MP Nama Nageswara Rao said the country had lost an able administrator and a towering personality. Garlanding the portrait of Jyoti Basu at the CPI(M) district office, he said the former Chief Minister of West Bengal would be remembered for ever for his crusade for the welfare of the downtrodden. Telugu Desam leaders Rayala Seshagiri Rao and Bikkasani Damodar also condoled the death of the Maxist leader.

Glowing tributes were paid to Jyoti Basu by the leadership of the Communist Party of India (CPI), which organised a condolence meeting at its district office in the evening. Bagam Hemanta Rao, party district secretary said Jyoti Basu had devoted his life for building the Communist movement and his success owed to his integrity and selfless efforts.

Puvvada Nageswara Rao, MLC, said Jyoti Basu was a great secular leader. His death created a void in Indian politics.

Kothagudem MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao said it would be difficult to fill the gap created by the death of Jyoti Basu not only in West Bengal but in Indian politics as well. T.V. Chowdhury, former district secretary of the CPI, said Basu had been the source of hope for millions of people.

VIJAYAWADA: People from all walks of life condoled the death of Former Chief Minister of West Bengal and doyen of the Communist party of India (Marxist) Jyoti Basu after news of his death reached here on Sunday evening.

Former MLA Adusumilli Jayaprakash, CPI city secretary and former MLA K.Subba Raju, South Central Railway Mazdoor Union divisional secretary P.S.Charan in separate statements condoled the death of the CPI(M) leader.

Vijayawada urban Tahasildhar N.Kankaiah recalled his association with Mr Basu, when he drove him around in a car for a week.

Mr. Basu had visited the city on four occasions. He came here for the unveiling of a pylon of party martyrs at Gannavaram in 1971.

He came to the city in 1977 en route to Divi Seema after thousands were killed by the tidal wave.

He came again to the city in the same year to attend the CPI(M) Central Committee that was held here. He came to the city again in 1982 to attend the CPI(M) 13th National Conference.

CPI(M) leaders from the state Puchalapalli Sundaraiah, Moturi Hanumantha Rao, and Lavu Balagangadhara Rao were contemporaries of Mr Basu.

Krishna district CPI (M) secretary V.Umamaheswara Rao was that SFI state president when Mr Basu visited the city.

VISAKHAPATNAM: The CPI (M) district committee at a condolence meeting on Sunday paid rich tributes to veteran Marxist leader and party Polit Bureau member Jyoti Basu.

District secretariat member V.S. Padmnabha Raju presided. District secretary Ch. Narsinga Rao garlanded a portrait of Jyoti Basu. A two-minute silence was observed.

Mr. Narsinga Rao said the country lost a great leader. As member of the party’s first Polit Bureau, he continued in that position for 45 years. Describing him as a tallest leader, he recalled his significant role in building the Communist movement . He held the Chief Minister’s post in West Bengal for 23 years.

Mr. Narsinga Rao said Jyoti Basu had played an unparalleled role in maintaining the best values in running the administration in West Bengal. “Following his path would be the fittest tribute to him,” he said. MLC M.V.S. Sarma recalled his unique ability to move people on issues and making them part of the party. Party city secretary K. Lokanadham was present.

Bangalore/GULBARGA: Several leaders, including Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Jagadish Shettar, have condoled the death of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, who passed away in Kolkata on Sunday.

Union Labour and Employment Minister M. Mallikarjun Kharge, in a statement issued here said, his death was an irreparable loss to the communist movement in the country and it would be difficult to fill the void created by his death.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President R.V. Deshpande said Mr. Basu had refused the Prime Minister’s post when it was offered to him, preferring to give a value-based leadership to the people in his State for 23 years.

He added that the nation had lost a statesman.

Secretary-General of the All India University Employees’ Confederation M.B. Sajjan said Mr. Basu’s death was a great loss to the country in general and the working class in particular. District Secretary of the CPI Shoukat Ali Alur also condoled the death.

The State unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) paid rich tributes to its leader. In a condolence meeting at the party headquarters in Bangalore, the State Secretariat member G.C. Byya Reddy said that translating the dreams of the departed leader into reality would be the richest tribute one could pay to the unparallel democratic ideologue of the country.

Mr. Reddy said his death was not only a big loss for the Communist parties but also for all democratic and secular forces in the country as he was the “harbinger and saint” of equality and democracy.

He said that it was time for all democratic and secular- minded people to come together for forging the third alternative as Jyoti Basu had wished in the national interest. The party’s executive committee member Gurushanth said that the departed leader had an intimate relationship with the State, particularly Bangalore. He had visited the State several times, including during the party’s State-level convention held at Harihar.

Several units of the party in the city took a silent procession holding black flags along with the party flags, and paid homage at the party headquarters.

Various Leftist outfits in different parts of Kolar district, including Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), also mourned the veteran Marxist leader’s death.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) district unit hoisted the CPI(M) flag at half mast at the party office in Kolar. A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

Later, speaking at the condolence meeting, CPI(M) district secretary G. Arjunan recalled the contribution of Mr. Basu to the working class movement. “Organising a strong movement towards fulfilling his unfinished works would be a befitting tribute to Mr. Basu,” Mr. Arjunan said. In his address, CPI(M) State committee member and CITU district president Gandhinagar Narayanswamy said that in Jyoti Basu’s death the country had lost a good friend of the working class. District president of Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS) P.R. Suryanarayan said Mr. Basu’s role in building a vast peasant movement in the country was memorable.

Kolar: Hundreds of activists of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and various affiliated organisations took out a silent procession carrying a portrait of CPI (M) leader Jyoti Basu in Kolar Gold Fields here on Sunday. Mr. Basu died on Sunday.

The procession started at Gilbert Corner and culminated at Gandhi Circle in Robertsonpet where a condolence meeting was held. CPI (M) district secretary G. Arjunan and KGF area committee secretary A.R. Babu addressed the gathering. State vice-president “Samudaya” Achyutan was present.

HASSAN: Activists of the DYFI, SFI, CITU and CPI (M) mourned the death of veteran Communist leader Jyoti Basu here on Sunday.

Dharmesh, secretary of the district unit of CITU, said Jyoti Basu was a great leader of the CPI(M) and the Left movement in India. An era ended with his passing away.

An ardent Communist, he was one of the few political leaders in Independent India who deepened democracy, strengthened secularism and brought the working class to the centre stage of Indian politics.

Mr. Dharmesh said that as Chief Minister of West Bengal for 23 years, his lasting contributions were land reforms, which gave land and security of tenure to millions of peasants; strengthening of panchayat institutions; and creation of an enduring atmosphere of secularism in the State.

V. Sukumar, president of the unit, said that throughout his life, Jyoti Basu supported the struggles of the working class.

Malnad Janapara Horata Samithi president H.A. Kishore Kumar said that the death of the CPI (M) leader had created a void in Indian politics.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leaders across the political spectrum have condoled the death of former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu.

In separate messages, they described him as a leader of great personal qualities who had made unforgettable contributions to the growth of the Communist movement in the country. Mr. Basu’s administrative acumen, his role in taking the Communist movement to the political mainstream and the way he endeared himself to leaders cutting across political barriers found special mention in the condolence messages reaching newsrooms on Sunday.

Source of inspiration

CPI(M) State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan termed Mr. Basu as a leader who extremely related well with the people of Kerala and who played a key role in fostering the Left and democratic movement in the State. In a condolence message, Mr. Vijayan said Mr. Basu’s election tours of Kerala after 1964 had played a pivotal role in strengthening the presence of the Left in the minds of the people of the State. Mr. Basu was both the source of inspiration for the Left movement and the person singularly responsible for the Left path of governance in the country. Even when a popular leader, Mr. Basu was a model communist who stuck to the party framework, Mr. Vijayan said.

Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac said Mr. Basu’s integration of parliamentary and organisational skills was exemplary. Dr. Isaac said the manner in which he integrated parliamentary and organisational activities was an example to all political leaders and a big lesson for the CPI(M) as well.

Pragmatic approach

Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy described Mr. Basu as a leader who realised the role of the Left in Indian polity and tried to realise it in a pragmatic manner. He had dedicated his life spanning close to a century for the welfare of the downtrodden, Mr. Chandy said.

Home Minister and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said Mr. Basu’s role in building the non-Congress secular and democratic political alternative in the country was critical. He was uncompromising in upholding the values of federalism. He abided by the party decisions and was a model for all Communists in that respect.

Friendship

Recalling his long friendship with Mr. Basu, veteran Congress leader K. Karunakaran said Mr. Basu’s words carried special weight at the Chief Ministers’ conferences. Mr. Basu, he pointed out, had also played a major role in removing the blind anti-Congress sentiment among the Left.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala described Mr. Basu as a leader who had made stellar contributions for the growth of the Communist movement in the country.

Stainless personality

Calling Mr. Basu a stainless political personality, CPI State secretary Veliyam Bhargavan said his contributions as an organiser, revolutionary and administrator were invaluable. He could win the hearts of all sections of people and this had contributed in no small measure to the repeated electoral successes of the Left in West Bengal, the CPI leader said.

Veteran RSP leader K. Pankajakshan said Mr. Basu’s death was a loss not just for the people of Bengal but the whole nation. Party general secretary T.J. Chandrachoodan said Mr. Basu had shown to the country that Communists could not only wage class struggle but also be brilliant administrators.

Terming Mr. Basu the representative of an era, BJP State president V. Muraleedharan said he was a unique genius who contributed a new power and style to the democratic governance processes in the country.

BHUBANESWAR: The death of veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu was condoled by people hailing from different walks of life in Orissa on Sunday.

Mourning the demise of the leader who served as Chief Minister of West Bengal for 23 long years, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the country had lost an iconic leader with the death of Jyoti Basu. Terming the late Marxist leader as a tall leader in the country’s political arena, Mr. Patnaik said Jyoti Basu continued to play a significant role in national politics.

Among others who condoled the death of the former West Bengal Chief Minister include Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Bhupinder Singh and secretary of the CPI(M) State Committee Janardan Pati.

Glowing tributes were also paid to the Marxist patriarch at a condolence meeting organised by the Orissa unit of the CITU.