We lost an excellent Communist: Achuthanandan

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 1 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M) Politburo member V S Achuthanandan led the people of the state in mourning the demise of veteran CPI(M) leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet, who died this afternoon in New Delhi.

Expressing grief over his death, Mr Achuthanandan said ''we have lost an excellent Communist. ''The demise has shattered us all.

It is a great loss to the Communists,'' he said.

He said Surjeet was instrumental in leading the party on its right direction and also had played a great role in organising the peasants in the country and had actively participated in their struggles.

CPI(M) State Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan said the Communist party had lost a great leader who was always an inspiration to its workers. He was a great leader who contributed in strengthening the party, he added.

Surjeet was also instrumental in bringing drastic changes in Indian politics. He was a popular leader who stood for the cause of the poor. Surjeet had also been recognised by world Communist leaders like Fidel Castro.

Expressing deep grief, state Home Minister and Polit Bureau member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Education Minister M A Baby said Surjeet's death was a great loss to the nation and also to the Communists.

Several other ministers also condoled the death of Surjeet.

Expressing sorrow, CPI State Secretary Veliam Bhargavan said Surjeet's death was a great loss to the Communist and the Leftists in the country.

Pradesh Congress Committee President Ramesh Chennithala said Surjeet was a great leader of the masses.

Opposition leader in the State Assembly Oommen Chandy said Surjeet was a leader who fought for keeping away communal forces from coming to power.

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