‘Basu alive and kicking’

Kolkata: Rumour mills worked overtime about the health of former chief minister Jyoti Basu. Finally, CPM state committee Secretary Biman Bose had to clear the air at a Left Front rally, saying that Basu was very much alive and he himself had signed the statement that Bose read at the rally.
Incidentally, this was the first time in his political career spanning 75 years, that Basu (95) was absent at a rally held at the Brigrade Parade Ground. Indira Bhavan, CPM party office at Alimuddin Street and newspaper offices received numerous calls inquiring about Basu’s health. “We were tired of telling people that nothing has happened to Basu. He is with us, leading us all the time,” said Aveek Dutta, CPM state committee member.
“A very ugly campaign is going on about the health and well-being of Jyoti Basu. We have become sick of answering questions regarding his health. He did not come to the rally because of his age and the dust here,” Bose said at the beginning of the rally.
“I told him — see people will understand why you had not come. But at least you make a statement that will be read at the rally. Despite our enemies’ expectations, he is very much alive and active,” he added. In his statement, Basu slammed the Opposition for going against the Government in its effort of industrialisation. “I have heard that the Central government has cleared the PCPIR at Nayachar in East Midnapore district. But the Trinamool Congress is raising the bogey of environment degradation to oppose the project. The Opposition has no policies or ideals. I appeal to you all to defeat these forces and vote for the Left Front in the coming Lok Sabha elections,” Basu said in his statement.