'The country mourns the death of a patriot'

Share:

January 18, 2010 12:33 IST

Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday paid tributes to former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu, whom they described as a great patriot and an eminent statesman.

Both Ansari and Dr Singh visited the AKG Bhawan, the Communist Party of India - Marxist headquarters at Gole Market in New Delhi, at approximately 11 am and paid floral tributes to the departed leader. They were received by CPI-M Politburo members Sitaram Yechury and K Varadrajan.

Ansari wrote in the condolence book, "The country mourns the passing away of a patriot and a great statesman."

Dr Singh, in his remarks, said the country has lost "a great son who was a great statesman and great patriot."

"I convey my deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family and countless admirers, comrades and followers of Shri Basu," the prime minister said.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Share: