Chidambaram's tribute to Jyoti Basu

Home Minister P Chidambaram on Sunday described veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu as a great son of India and a source of inspiration.

Ninety-five-year-old Basu "strode like a colossus on the Indian political scene for several decades. He was a great patriot, a great democrat, a great Parliamentarian and a great source of inspiration," Chidambaram, who was on a visit to the city and rushed to the hospital, said.

He said Basu served the people of India with the best of his ability. "It's a sad day for all of us... We will remember this great son of India...we salute his memory."

"He lived a full life...For the last fortnight, he suffered a lot. The West Bengal government and his family provided him with the best medical care in the country. We are deeply sad at his passing away.