CPM MP Mahboob Zahedi dies in capital

New Delhi, Apr 8 (UNI) Veteran Communist leader and four-time Lok Sabha MP Mahboob Zahedi died here today after a brief illness.

He was 77 and is survived by his wife and two sons.

A CPI (M) member of the Lok Sabha for four successive terms since 1996, Mr Zahedi was a Minister for Animal Resource Development, Minority Affairs and Wakf in West Bengal between 1991 and 1996 before entering the eleventh Lok Sabha.

He was elected from Katwa constituency in Burdwan district.

Mr Zahedi had been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for treating a heart ailment a fortnight ago, his party colleagues said.

He was later shifted to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. He died at his North Avenue official residence at 1200 hrs, they said.

CPI (M) General Secretary Prakash Karat and other senior party leaders paid their last respects to Mr Zahedi before his body was flown to Kolkata this evening. The body would be taken to his native village at Gushkara in Burdwan district for last rites.

Mr Zahedi was a member of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture, Social and Cultural Activities. He was a member of the Central Haj Committee between 1991-96.

Before getting elected to the West Bengal Assembly, he was the Zila Sabhadhipati of Burdwan district from 1978 to 1991.

A social activist, Mr Zahedi largely worked among peasants and agriculturists.

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