Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM condoles passing away of former Chief Minister Jyoti Basu

"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.

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.

I have personally had a very long association with Shri Jyoti Basu. On many occasions in my career, I turned to him for his sagacious advice on all matters, whether they related to West Bengal or to issues of national importance. His advice was statesmanlike but always pragmatic and based on unshakable values that he championed throughout his political career.

I feel a deep sense of personal sadness at the passing away of a political luminary who was a great patriot and an intellectual of high order. I convey my heartfelt condolences to you and other members of the bereaved family and to Shri Jyoti Basu's countless comrades, friends, admirers and followers."