"It's the end of an era in the annals of Indian politics." - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

"He was our guardian. The country has lost a great leader and the Left democratic movement in the country has received a severe blow. He will forever be remembered for his contribution to the country." - Buddhaded Bhattacharya

He was a towering personality, longest serving chief minister in contemporary period. He was the architect of first UPA government. I developed close intimacy with him from 1960s; have lost great well wisher. Country has lost great parliamentarian and a patriot." - Pranab Mukherjee

"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. 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." -P. Chidambaram

"Shri Jyoti Basu did not go gentle into the good night - he fought bravely until his last breath, just as he did throughout his life. And what a rich, fulfilled and glorious life he had!" - Sonia Gandhi

Recalling Basu's simple lifestyle, Nabanita Dev Sen said despite being the chief minister he never had an inverter even during the years when loadshedding was rampant in the state.

"In spite of his very busy schedule, he was a warm and affectionate neighbour who would participate in our family celebrations and would even hold back his convoy to allow me to drop my daughter to her exam when we were late." - Noted Bengali writer Nabanita Dev Sen (IANS)