Basu’s death marks the end of an era in Indian politics: PM - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

The Prime Minster, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Sunday condoled the death of veteran Communist leader Jyoti Basu, saying the demise of the colossal leader marks the end of an era in the annals of Indian politics. In his condolence letter to the departed leader’s son Chandan Basu , Dr. Singh described his father as a legendary leader of the country. “I was deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of your father Jyoti Basu . The passing away of 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,” Dr. Singh said. “ 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,” he added. Dr.Singh said he had the opportunity to work with Basu and had always 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,” he said.