Jyoti Basu belonged to that era of leaders who were tempered by Gandhian values that defined most leaders post independence. The crudeness in politics all around the country (in particular the new breed of communist leaders in Kerala and Bengal pose serious threat, it is no wonder CPI-M is no longer a national party). This death represent passing of an era that had great leaders who carried the values and ideals of freedom struggle, whom the society has started to miss quite terribly.
Post script: Communists will do well to understand that private need to be kept away from public, private matters of people include their understanding on religio-spiritual matters they seek to negotiate life. Questions can be only be asked if it impacts or influences policy decisions. Also the limitations of copying what is essentially alien system need to be understood and put in perspective of Indian society. Being religious is not essentially being communal nor it means being anti proletariat (if society can really be classified that way!). This narrow interpretations and rigid posturing need be reevaluated to the contemporary reality. Otherwise this will open doors to opportunist politicians who have no qualms in accepting crassness of market, we have seen enough in Bengal. A new breed of nasty 'leaders' (basically therivu chatambis) are readying in Kerala.
Post script: Communists will do well to understand that private need to be kept away from public, private matters of people include their understanding on religio-spiritual matters they seek to negotiate life. Questions can be only be asked if it impacts or influences policy decisions. Also the limitations of copying what is essentially alien system need to be understood and put in perspective of Indian society. Being religious is not essentially being communal nor it means being anti proletariat (if society can really be classified that way!). This narrow interpretations and rigid posturing need be reevaluated to the contemporary reality. Otherwise this will open doors to opportunist politicians who have no qualms in accepting crassness of market, we have seen enough in Bengal. A new breed of nasty 'leaders' (basically therivu chatambis) are readying in Kerala.
