JYOTI BASU PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN THE SYNERGISTIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PANCHAYATS AND LAND REFORMS IN WEST BENGAL UNDER THE LEFT FRONT.

Jyoti Basu achieved, within a few years of first taking charge as Chief Minister, a remarkable turnaround for a State that was in decline.

“When I joined politics, the national movement had reached a critical stage. The question in front of us was not only how to free our country but also how to build it after Independence, liberating the poor from the travails of backwardness,” Jyoti Basu said. - VENKITESH RAMAKRISHNAN

JYOTI BASU: “Talking about his participation in the freedom movement and his later roles as the Chief Minister of West Bengal and a Polit Bureau member of the CPI (M), Jyoti Basu told this correspondent in 2005 that the principal thrust of the political activities of Communist leaders of his generation was to bring together the values of the national movement and independent India in order to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of a people that suffered under the yoke of colonialism.” - VENKITESH RAMAKRISHNAN

JYOTI BASU: “In fact, his first political activity, as a student in England, began with the national freedom movement.” - VENKITESH RAMAKRISHNAN

JYOTI BASU: “Now, after his death, it has once again made an eloquent return. However, Jyoti Basu’s contribution to national politics is not merely about his inability to become Prime Minister in 1996. A careful assessment of his political career and also interactions with national and regional politicians across the ideological-political spectrum make it clear that he played a role in national politics right through his life.” - VENKITESH RAMAKRISHNAN

JYOTI BASU: “IRONICALLY, much of the debate in the media and in political circles on Jyoti Basu’s role in national politics pertains to a role that he did not assume. The issue – of Jyoti Basu being offered the Prime Minister’s post in 1996 to head the United Front government, and his party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), deciding against his accepting the offer – had come up time and again during his lifetime.” - VENKITESH RAMAKRISHNAN

“Jyoti Basu’s mind was razor-sharp and his high intellect was still very much visible and intact.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

“Many may not have respected his ideology. But there are few who did not respect him as a person.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

“No politician today in India is in the league of Jyoti Basu. He is what you define as a true leader of a nation.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

“Jyoti Basu was a towering personality who commanded the respect of even those who disagreed with his ideology or methods.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

“I think what left a lasting impression on me following that interview was his forthrightness and his complete faith in what he believed in and what his party stood for. You knew he meant what he said.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

“Jyoti Basu did not seem to have any grey areas. When he dealt with an issue, his thoughts were very clear and precise on it. Be it a political or social issue.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

“Jyoti Basu had no vested interests. It was pure interest in the nation.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

“Most people who were fortunate to meet and interact with Jyoti Basu accept that he had great integrity and character.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

“What really struck me is how Jyoti Basu had no fear in saying what he believed in.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

“Jyoti Basu was a towering personality who commanded the respect of even those who disagreed with his ideology or methods.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

“Jyoti Basu’s own interests, as we saw when he missed the chance to become Prime Minister, were put aside in the interest of the party.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

“JYOTI BASU came from that school of politics where it was not about oneself. It was about national concern and how to lead the country to progress.” - Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist

Jyoti Basu “had no vested interests; it was pure interest in the nation.” Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist.