Condolences on passing away of veteran Communist leader Shri Jyoti Basu

Online, January 17, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has condoled the passing away of the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri Jyoti Basu.

In her condolence message she has said, "Shri Jyoti Basu earned the unique distinction of being the longest serving Chief Minister of any state from the late seventies to the year 2000. During his political career he displayed his abilities as a leader of the people, an able administrator and an eminent statesman. In the years after he relinquished the Chief Ministership, he continued to be looked upon as an elder statesman, whose advice was sought by many political leaders in the state. In his passing away the nation has lost a veteran and an eminent public figure."

Shri Basu will be remembered by the people of West Bengal for bringing stability and order to the State after the turbulent period of the early 70s and for the rural transformation he brought about through his visionary land reforms and his style of democratic and decentralized governance. He was a man of great integrity with a deep commitment to secular values. Throughout his long career his first priority remained the welfare of ordinary citizens, the workers and the peasants.

The Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh has also condoled the passing away of veteran Communist leader Shri Jyoti Basu. Dr. Manmohan Singh in his condolence letter to the departed leader's son Shri Chandan Basu said the passing away of Shri Basu marks the end of an era in the annals of Indian politics.

"I was deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of your father Shri Jyoti Basu. The passing away of Shri Basu from the scene marks the end of an era in the annals of Indian politics. In a political career spanning more than six decades, the veteran communist leader steered his party to power in West Bengal , leaving a legacy of uninterrupted rule by the Left Front that he forged through his leadership and legendary skills in building consensus. During his more than 20 years at the helm of affairs in West Bengal, he proved himself to be one of the most able administrators and politicians of independent India . He was a powerful regional voice in the national political scene and helped to strengthen Indian federalism."

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has deeply condoled the demise of veteran leader and former Chief Minister of West Bengal Shri Jyoti Basu. In his condolence message he has said that Shri Basu has made significant contributions to public life, and especially to the development of West Bengal. His sagacity and leadership at both the State and the national level have been a source of inspiration and guidance. His demise leaves a void which will be very difficult to fill.