New Delhi:
The Prime Minster and Congress President Sonia Gandhi condoled the passing away of veteran Communist leader Shri Jyoti Basu.
Both sent condolence letters to the departed leader's son Shri Chandan Basu.
Prime Minister's message:
"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."
Sonia Gandhi's message:
"I am deeply saddened by the passing away of your beloved father. Shri Jyoti Basu did not go gentle into the good night-he fought bravely until his last breath, just as he did throughout his life. And what a rich, fulfilled and glorious life he had!
He served his country, his party, and his state with whole-hearted dedication for over half a century. He was a tireless crusader against communalism, fundamentalism, casteism and all kinds of obscurantism; a warrior for social justice and equality, and for the eradication of poverty; a true patriot who always put the national interest above all else. He was a towering figure in our national life, whose noble vision, superb judgment and depth of experience we all valued greatly. He contributed to the formation of the UPA government in 2004 and we continued to count on him for his wise counsel even after he retired from political life. His death has left bereft not just the people of West Bengal and his millions of political followers-the entire nation mourns along with them.
Together with Indiraji and Rajivji, I held him in the highest esteem. I have the warmest memories of our many meetings-of his charm and grace and his deep humanity. At this time of grief, my thoughts are with you and your family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences."
Both sent condolence letters to the departed leader's son Shri Chandan Basu.
Prime Minister's message:
"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."
Sonia Gandhi's message:
"I am deeply saddened by the passing away of your beloved father. Shri Jyoti Basu did not go gentle into the good night-he fought bravely until his last breath, just as he did throughout his life. And what a rich, fulfilled and glorious life he had!
He served his country, his party, and his state with whole-hearted dedication for over half a century. He was a tireless crusader against communalism, fundamentalism, casteism and all kinds of obscurantism; a warrior for social justice and equality, and for the eradication of poverty; a true patriot who always put the national interest above all else. He was a towering figure in our national life, whose noble vision, superb judgment and depth of experience we all valued greatly. He contributed to the formation of the UPA government in 2004 and we continued to count on him for his wise counsel even after he retired from political life. His death has left bereft not just the people of West Bengal and his millions of political followers-the entire nation mourns along with them.
Together with Indiraji and Rajivji, I held him in the highest esteem. I have the warmest memories of our many meetings-of his charm and grace and his deep humanity. At this time of grief, my thoughts are with you and your family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences."
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