Big loss to democratic forces, says Basu

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, SEPT. 1. Mr. Jyothi Basu, CPI(M) politburo member, expressed grief at the passing away of G.K. Moopanar and described it as a ``big loss to the democratic forces and the party he led''.

In a message to the bereaved family, Mr. Basu said Moopanar was a ``veteran leader of the anti-imperialist movement in the country, particularly in Tamil Nadu''.

Recalling his close association with Moopanar, Mr. Basu said he had always cherished his fruitful friendship with the late leader in dealing with political problems in the country.

``As a close associate of Kamaraj, Moopanar will be remembered as a leader with immense organising abilities and the political acumen to strengthen the democratic movement in the country as a whole. He had a deep understanding of the political problems in Tamil Nadu.''

Our Tirunelveli Staff Reporter reports:

The Thondar Congress president, Mr. Kumari Ananthan, today said Moopanar had strongly favoured the merger of all nationalist forces in the State.

Speaking to presspersons here, Mr. Ananthan said he had held discussion with Moopanar in July last and pleaded with him to initiate steps for uniting all nationalist forces at the national level and bring back all Congressmen, who remained loyal to Rajiv Gandhi, under one fold.

``The late leader gave a patient hearing and assured to discuss the issue with me again after returning home from hospital.''

The death of Moopanar was a big blow to all nationalist forces in the State and a setback to the merger move. He expressed the hope that the TMC under the new leadership would continue to extend a helping hand to protect the interests of the nationalist forces.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : SC stay an affront to HC judges: AIADMK ally
Next     : DMK MLAs walk out