Describing Communist stalwart Jyoti Basu as an icon and towering personality in Indian politics, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday said his demise had marked the end of an era.

Condoling the death of Basu, he said the veteran Marxist leader had held the office of chief minister in West Bengal for a very long period and an era had come to an end with his passing away.

"Jyoti Babu was certainly an icon in Indian politics, a towering political personality in our country," Patnaik said adding the late leader had worked in close association with the legendary Biju Patnaik.

The country has lost a leader who always believed in idealism and principles in Basu's death, he said.

Senior Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Janardan Pati said during his long innings as West Bengal chief minister, the late leader had ensured corruption-free and honest administration.