Even with the Left fading out in West Bengal, nonagenarian Marxist and former chief minister Jyoti Basu continues to enjoy universal appeal irrespective of political party. It was more than apparent on Wednesday as people cutting across party lines turned up to greet him on his 95th birthday.
Since morning, hundreds flocked his Salt Lake residence carrying placards bearing greetings and goodwill messages. Most of the visitors were school children.
Initially, it was decided that Basu would not make it to the dais in front of his house because of his ill health. However, understanding visitor sentiments, Basu decided to come to the dais for a few minutes. With him was former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee.
Chatterjee’s praise for Basu’s contribution to West Bengal and the CPI(M) proved that party general secretary Prakash Karat’s decision to expel him from the party has not had an impact on the personal relationship of the two veteran Marxists.
Also present on the dais was Basu’s all-time favourite state transport minister Subhash Chakrabarty, often criticised by his own party for making controversial anti-party statements.
Although not in a condition to give a speech, Basu could not refuse to oblige the crowd with a few words. “I am ill and bed-ridden. But still, I have come here to speak to you. Like all of you, I want the development of West Bengal,” he said to loud applause from the crowd.
Even political opponent and railway minister Mamata Banerjee did not forget Basu’s birthday. But unlike in previous years, her busy schedule in New Delhi kept her away. She, however, asked leader of the opposition and Trinamool Congress MLA Partho Chattopadhyay to convey her greetings to Basu.
