Jyoti Basu is an institution: Lord Swraj Paul

“Where would you find a man who is so alert at 94?” Paul said during his visit to the Missionaries of Charity headquarters at Mother House, hours after his arrival in the city as the head of the high-level Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) delegation.

“He was the greatest chief minister of India and was denied the Prime Ministership twice,” he added.

Paul is scheduled to meet both Basu and Bhattacharjee.

He, however, refused to compare the two CPM leaders. “Buddhadeb has done a marvellous job. I am really proud of Kolkata. It is a lot cleaner. It has improved a lot,” he replied when asked about the current CM’s performance. The aim of the delegation during the six-day visit to the city, on the invitation of CPA chairman and Speaker Hasim Abdul Halim, is to explore investment possibilities and boosting bilateral trade relations.

Refraining from commenting on the controversial industrialisation process in the state, Paul said: “We have come here to find out and discover. We have come here as a delegation of the British Parliament to see the wonderful progress the government has made. Maybe we can give an opinion before we leave.”

Speaking about his personal association with the city, he said: “I lived here, married here and four of our children were born here.”

Paying tribute to Mother Teresa, Paul said: “I really feel humbled. One person can change so many people’s lives. Mother Teresa and her work is for the world to see and not just Kolkata.” He was accompanied by his wife and other delegates at the Mother House, where he met Sister Nirmala.

The delegation comprises three members from the House of Lords and one from the House of Commons. the CPA (UK branch) secretary was also accompanied the delegation.