Jyoti Basu

Kolkata, Nov 27 (UNI) Veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu and West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today expressed grief over the passing away of former prime minister V P Singh.

In a message, Mr Basu said the death of late Prime Minister was a great loss to democratic, secular and progressive politics in the country.

The former premier had taken an initiative for forming a secular and democratic government at the Centre, for rescuing the country from the clutches of communal forces, he said.

He said Singh always stood against communal and fascist forces and had also taken several initiatives for the uplift of Backward and Most Backward Classes in the country, Mr Basu said.

He sympathised with the bereaved family.

In an another message, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said, '' I am grieved at the death of former prime minister V P Singh. He rendered service to the nation in various capacities. I had acquaintance with him. He was an honest and secular politician and his death is a great loss to our nation. '' He offered his condolences to the bereaved family.

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