At 94, Basu keeps his charm on

Kolkata: Jyoti Basu turned 94 on Sunday. And, for the first time he had arch-rival and Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee visit him on his birthday.

With a bunch of red roses, Banerjee went to Basu’s Salt Lake residence straight from the airport. “Wish you a life of happiness and peace,” she told the CPI-M patriarch.

Exuding warmth, Basu did not hide his pleasure. “I did not think you would come. I am happy,” said Basu flashing his rare smile.

This is the second time in two months that Banerjee went to Basu’s house. Earlier, on June 4, Basu, in an unprecedented move, called up Banerjee and asked her to come to his house. Banerjee responded in equal measure. And, in a cordial atmosphere, they discussed prickly issues in which the state and Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee were embroiled.

Basu had then told Banerjee that he wanted to see peace return to Nandigram before his birthday on July 8. That, however, has not happened as scores who fled their homes in the aftermath of March 14 atrocities by the police are still living in camps.

But Banerjee remembered the reference to Basu’s birthday. She said, “Last time when I came to his house to discuss the situation at Singur and Nandigram, he mentioned his birthday. So, I have come to wish him.”

“I am happy she remembered,” said Basu. So, did they discuss Singur and Nandigram again on Sunday? “No, it was just good wishes for him today. No politics was discussed,” said Banerjee.

But, Banerjee’s gesture is laced with political significance, said observers. “At one stroke, she showed that she respected Basu as a politician despite their political differences while snubbing Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s every effort to talk peace with her,” said a political analyst.

Currently, Banerjee is on a tour of various places across the country — Delhi, Thiruvanathapuram and Chennai — to mobilise support for victims of “state atrocities” from Singur and Nandigram.

On Sunday, she flew down from Chennai after meeting Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalitha. Due to flight timing, she was not sure if Basu would be at home when she reached Kolkata.

One of her party leaders coordinated with Basu’s personal secretary. And, Basu waited for her till Banerjee arrived around 8 pm. “My son has invited me for dinner tonight. But, since she was coming I waited for her,” said Basu. After she left, Basu zipped away to a five-star hotel to dine with his family.


 Troubleshooter-in-chief

The most successful Communist in the world, the oldest living politician of the country, longest serving chief minister in India. These distinctions sit lightly on Jyoti Basu, former West Bengal CM, who turned 94 on Sunday.

Despite his age, Left Front still banks upon him in crises.

In fact, the CPI-M does not celebrate birthday of any individual except their founder Muzaffar Ahmed aka Kakababu. But, Basu is an exception. And, an aristocrat among Communists, Basu never had any issues.

In fact, his birthday is one day when people get to see the rare smile Basu has in abundance. Else, his dour countenance and towering personality has always set him apart. So, while senior leaders of Bengal are called dada, Basu always remained Jyoti Babu to everyone. Even as a youth, none dared to call him Jyoti da.

Basu served as CM from 1977 to 2000, when he stepped down on his own due to health reasons and handed over the mantle to his protégé Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. It was under his leadership that the state government began the much-acclaimed land reforms.

ALMOST BECAME THE PM

Till date, Basu remains a committed partyman. He has always abided by the consensus party decision even if hurt him personally. As it did when he lost the chance to become prime minster in 1997. Basu was the consensus leader of the United Front for the prime minister's post. But, the CPI-M politburo decided they would not participate in the government. Though Basu abided by his party's diktat, he termed the decision as a 'historical blunder'.

BRIEFLESS BARRISTER

Basu was introduced to the Communist Party while studying in England. After finishing school from St Xavier's, Kolkata, Basu graduated with honors in English from Presidency College. Then, he went to London to study law. He studied at Middle Temple, London to become a barrister.

But, Basu never practised law and is often called a "briefless barrister". While in London he came in close contact with Harry Pollitt, Rajni Palme Dutt, Ben Bradley and other leaders of the Communist Party of Great Britain.

After returning to India in 1940, Basu became a whole-timer of Communist Party of India (CPI). Later, when the CPI split in 1964, Basu became a prominent leader of the new CPI-M. Though a political opponent, Basu enjoyed a good personal rapport with Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Though Basu had to suffer much criticism on account of his son taking exploiting his position, he remained unfazed. After work, he would regularly spend time with his three grand daughters — Payal, Koyel and Doyel — whom he called his girlfriends. He also did not hide his love for his favourite sundowner — Black Dog. But, like everything else, he knew where to draw a line, said a party veteran.

Basu's stern face hid his softer side. When on tours, he would enquire if every officer and member of his staff including his driver and guards had food when he came for dinner.