CPI(M) rejects Basu's request to step down

Kolkata, Sep 13 (UNI) Ending speculations over Mr Jyoti Basu retiring from politics, the CPI (M) today summarily rejected the veteran leader's request to step down and decided to retain him in the Politbureau at least for two more years.

'' We have decided that he should continue so that his experience and advice benefits us. Our next party Congress to be held in 2008 will decide what to do,'' CPI (M) General Secretary Prakash Karat told reporters at the end of the party's two-day Politbureau meeting.

Raising the issue at the meeting yesterday, the 92-year-old leader had pleaded that he should be relieved of responsibilities because of his age-failing health. But the Politbureau today took a unanimous stand not to let the leader be a recluse making it evident that he was still indispensible for the organisation, especially when the party was trying to chart out its way in the face of a changed political situation in the country.

Former party General Secretary and Mr Basu's contemporary Harkishan Singh Surjeet had not been in the thick of party affairs for quite some time because of indifferent health.

'' Last year when Mr Basu wanted to be relieved during the party Congress, we decided against acceding to his request despite being aware that he would not be able to work actively in the manner he used to do in the past. But the party still wants him to continue,'' Mr Karat clarified.

The possibility that the CPI(M) patriarch would urge the Politbureau to let him eschew the present responsibilities was in the air for the past few days after he admitted to the media that he needed rest.

However, declining to attach importance to the issue, state committee Secretary Biman Basu had said on Monday last that the party would not accept any such proposal even if 'Jyoti Babu'raised it in the Politbureau meeting.

UNI KDG KK RN 1808