By IANS,
Kolkata: Paying glowing tributes to his predecessor and Marxist patriarch Jyoti Basu, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Sunday said the country’s left and democratic movement has received a severe blow in his death.
“In his death the country has lost a great leader and the left and democratic movement in the country has received a severe blow,” Bhattacharjee said, recalling the significant role played by Basu in organising India’s left and democratic movement.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of our revered leader Jyoti Basu, known as a living legend. He was respected by all sections of people both at home and abroad. He will be ever remembered for his contribution to the country.
Describing Basu as the guardian of the state’s Left Front government, which has been in power since 1977, Bhattacharjee said: “His role in the formation of the Left Front government is well-known”.
Basu headed the LF government for five terms from 1977 to 2000 and was also at the forefront of the country’s communist movement.