BASU-LEADERS 2

The leaders also pointed out that Basu as a "disciplined
soldier" of the CPI(M), remained true to his party, its
ideology and its political stand while not accepting the offer
to become the Prime Minister.
But CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan said there was no
point in speculating over what would have happened had the
veteran leader become the Prime Minister.
Referring to Basu leading a major agitation against a one
paisa hike in the fares of the Calcutta Tramways over six
decades ago, Bardhan said it was upon the Left parties to
build up such a "militant mass movement" on the issue now.
In his speech, the Finance Minister said Basu, as a
member of the Bengal Provincial Assembly during the British
Rule, had warned both the Congress and the Muslim League to
take "certain steps" if they wanted to avoid Partition.
"Obviously, his advice was not heeded to".
Mukherjee described Basu as "a great son of the country
and a veritable colossus in the arena of national politics".
SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said there would have been a
"sea change" in national politics today had Basu become the
Prime Minister, while his Janata Dal-United JD(U) counterpart
Sharad Yadav said Basu and Harkishan Singh Surjeet were
stalwarts who could wield power at the Centre and were heard
with respect by all secular and democratic parties.
NC chief Farooq Abdullah made a plea for the Left forces
to "unite and build the nation together", while Nationalist
Congress Party (NCP) leader D P Tripathi said Basu was a
strict disciplinarian who would hear all shades of opinions
but stick to his own ideals. More PTI