Many Admirers and Leaders pay tribute to CPI's vetaran leader

The body of veteran CPI leader AB Bardhan, who died in New Delhi on Saturday after prolonged illness, was brought to the party headquarters, where his admirers and leaders from across political parties paid tributes to him.

Vice President Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and Cogress leader Raj Babbar were among those who visited Ajoy Bhawan to pay tributes to Bardhan.

Mourners filed past the body, wrapped in party flag, which was brought to the CPI headquarters at 10 am. His last rites will be performed at the Nigambodh Ghat electric crematorium here at 3 pm on Monday.

Liu Jin Song, DCM and Minister at the Chinese Embassy, also paid tributes to the departed CPI leader.

92-year old Bardhan passed away on Saturday at the GB Pant Hospital here after prolonged illness.

Ardhendu Bhushan Bardhan had steered the party during the turbulent period of coalition politics at national level.

Bardhan was born in Barisal, Bengal Presidency, British India (now Bangladesh) on 25 September 1924. He embraced Communism at the age of 15 after he moved to Nagpur. He joined the All India Students Federation at the Nagpur University in 1940. He joined the Communist Party of India (which was then banned), the same year. He served as the President of the Nagpur University Students' Union. Bardhan held a postgraduate degree in economics and a degree in law.