CPI leader A.B. Bardhan dead

New Delhi, Jan 2  Veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader A.B. Bardhan died at a hospital here on Saturday, a doctor said. He was 93.

"The CPI leader died at 8.20 p.m. Our team tried hard but could not save him. His condition was very critical," said Dr. Vinod, who led the medical team at G.B. Pant Hospital here.

Bardhan had suffered a paralytic stroke on December 7, following which he was admitted to the hospital.

Leaders condole Bardhan's death

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his West Bengal and Bihar counterparts Mamata Banerjee and Nitish Kumar, as also Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury were among a host of leaders who condoled the death on Saturday of CPI veteran A.B. Bardhan.

"V sad to hear the demise of Comrade Bardhan. May his soul rest in peace," Kejriwal tweeted.

Mamata posted: "Saddened at the passing of veteran politician AB Bardhan. Condolences to his family and colleagues in his party."

Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Sitaram Yechury wrote: "Red salute, Comrade Bardhan. We miss your wisdom, experience & guidance, Comrade. Pledge to carry forward the Indian revolution."

CPI leader Bardhan died at G.B. Pant Hospital here on Saturday evening. The 93-year-old leader had suffered a paralytic stroke on December 7, following which he was admitted to the hospital.

NCP Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule wrote: "Rip A.B.Bardhan ji, Stalwart of Indian politics. My deep Condolences to Bardhan family."

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar posted: "Deeply saddened to hear of Veteran CPI leader A B Bardhan ji's death.He was a leading figure of the trade union movement & a voice of the poor."

Kerala leaders condole Bardhan's death

 Cutting across party lines, top leaders in Kerala on Saturday condoled the death of veteran CPI leader A.B. Bardhan.

Veteran Communist V.S. Achuthanandan described Bardhan -- who died on Saturday at a hospital in Delhi -- as the stalwart of secularism and a true Communist to the core.

"His passing away is going to be an irreparable loss to the Communist and secular movement in the country," Achuthanandan said in a statement issued here.

State Congress president V.M. Sudheeran said Bardhan's work to take forward the Communist movement in the country was praiseworthy and he was one leader who commanded the respect of all.

State BJP president Kummanem Rajasekheran described Bardhan as a model politician for anyone to follow who wished to be in public life.

CPI leaders from Kerala will be in Delhi to take part in the funeral.

Bardhan had suffered a paralytic stroke on December 7, following which he was admitted to a hospital in Delhi.