'A 'living legend' dies in Surjeet's death' : Gowda

New Delhi, Aug 1 (UNI) Former prime minister and Janata Dal (Secular) president H D Deve Gowda today said veteran Marxist leader Harkishan Surjeet was a 'living legend' having scripted the formation of several coalitions comprising of anti-communal forces.

In a statement, Mr Gowda said he regarded Surjeet as a father figure and was now feeling orphaned in his death. In his seven-decade -long political career, had been modest in refusing to take any credit for turning around the contemporary history.

Mr Gowda said that Surjeet had won admirers across the political spectrum and even from ideological adversaries. He always believed that communists involved themselves in political activities not to prove their superiority but as part of historical task. ''The nation will remain indebted to him for his services and contributions and there can be no better tribute than continuing in united battle against 'communal and castest' forces wanting to divide the country.'' UNI MCN MIR PK KP1831