Nehaz Ahmed, a shop owner, is a local resident. “The CPM office was originally in a smaller building, adjacent to the present one. As a boy I went to that office once or twice and saw Jyoti babu. Despite the CPM headquarters being located here, we have never faced any road blockades. It was all courtesy Jyoti babu,” said Ahmed. “There are many leaders in our party, but he was different. On many occasions he helped me,” added Abul Hussain, who used to be Basu’s driver.

On Sunday morning, with all the leaders at the hospital, the office wore a deserted look. A few functionaries were sitting in front of the TV. A large number of people gathered at the gate, eager to know when the body of the departed leader would be brought here.