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“India has lost a great statesman who believed in pragmatic politics”

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Condolence messages poured in from across the political spectrum over the death of the former Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary, Harkishan Singh Surjeet, on Friday. Besides his contribution to national politics, his role in empowering the farmers of Punjab was recalled.

While Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sent a condolence message from Colombo, Vice-President Hamid Ansari said that in the death of Mr. Surjeet, “the country has lost an eminent personality who was always sensitive to the social concerns of our times.”

Stating that Mr. Surjeet was like a “father-figure” to him, the former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) president, H.D. Deve Gowda, said the defeat of the communal forces in the last general elections was a tribute to his unrelenting struggle against them and for the establishment of a truly socialist and secular republic. “He was instrumental in the formation of many coalitions at the Centre, including the one led by me, with the primary objective of preventing communal forces from occupying power.”

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said Mr. Surjeet would always be remembered as a statesman. His Cabinet colleague and Defence Minister, A.K. Antony, said that with the passing away of Mr. Surjeet, India had lost a “great statesman who believed in pragmatic politics.”

Echoing the Prime Minister’s observation that Mr. Surjeet was one of the architects of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Mr. Antony said the veteran Communist played a vital role in defining and shaping the role of the undivided CPI and then the CPI(M) in the politics of the country for nearly seven decades.

Placing on record Mr. Surjeet’s role in forming the UPA, Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad said he had earned the admiration of the people for his dedication. “In his death, the country has lost an eminent personality who always fought for social causes.”

Lok Jan Shakti Party president and Union Minister for Steel, Chemicals and Fertilisers Ram Vilas Paswan recalled his long association with “Comrade Surjeet” in his condolence message. Lamenting the passing away of a “pragmatic leader,” the Minister said Mr. Surjeet would be remembered as one who tirelessly worked for communal harmony and fought divisive forces till the last.

Catalyst

Tracing Mr. Surjeet’s public life, Union Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party Sharad Pawar recalled the active role he played in national politics to strengthen democratic and secular forces. “He also played the role of a catalyst in facilitating coalition politics in India and was known for his steadfast opposition to communalism.”

The CPI described Mr. Surjeet as “one of the outstanding leaders of the Indian Communist movement and a tallest leader of the CPI(M).” According to the CPI, his life is a shining example for all who are in the struggle for peace, democracy, justice and equality.

Revolutionary Socialist Party general secretary T.J. Chandrachoodan described Mr. Surjeet as the consolidator of the Left movement in the capital for the last half-a-century.

He contributed much to building friendships with the World Communist Movement. All-India Forward Bloc general secretary Debabrata Biswas said Mr. Surjeet steered the Left democratic movement to the centre-stage of national politics.

The All-India Democratic Women’s Association said Mr. Surjeet had been an integral part of the national movement in the struggle against communalism, sectarianism and imperialism. Recalling his key role in forming “third front” governments, Janata Dal (United) general secretary Sharad Yadav said the death had brought to an end an era and created a void that cannot be filled.

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