'The country mourns the death of a patriot'

Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday paid tributes to former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu, whom they described as a great patriot and an eminent statesman.

Both Ansari and Dr Singh visited the AKG Bhawan, the Communist Party of India - Marxist headquarters at Gole Market in New Delhi, at approximately 11 am and paid floral tributes to the departed leader. They were received by CPI-M Politburo members Sitaram Yechury and K Varadrajan.

Ansari wrote in the condolence book, "The country mourns the passing away of a patriot and a great statesman."

Dr Singh, in his remarks, said the country has lost "a great son who was a great statesman and great patriot."

"I convey my deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family and countless admirers, comrades and followers of Shri Basu," the prime minister said.