Image via WikipediaOne of the most prolific leaders of the Left era passed away today. Jyoti Basu to many is someone who had brought communism to the masses. His tenure as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for 23 years is the longest in any state in this country, and it speaks volumes about his immense popularity.Many talk about the turmoil Bengal was in when Jyoti Basu took over the reigns which ended the Congress 'misrule' (allegedly, because I was born when Mr. Basu was already the CM, so I cant and shouldn't comment on the Congress regime in Bengal). Without a doubt he was an able administrator, an orator par excellence and a politician the likes of whom this country might never see. As is apparent from the tears being shed by politicians across party lines, he was a friend and a guide to many now established leaders.
His death is without any doubt a significant loss not just for the Left parties and the state but also for the nation.
R.I.P. Jyoti Basu...
People know very little about his life and works. His contribution towards expatriates from the Indian subcontinent in England by teaching them English to make them eligible for jobs dates back to pre-independence years. He wasn't like the other corrupt poliiticians and actually transformed the socio-economic landscape of Bengal for the good.
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