Basu writes to party: Want to step down from politburo

Kolkata, February 22 This time, he has given it in writing. Former chief minister Jyoti Basu, 93, the oldest member of the CPM politburo, has written to his party’s national leadership that he should be allowed to step down from the politburo in view of his health.

“This time, I have informed the party in writing that I do not wish to continue in the politburo,” Basu told reporters at the party’s Alimuddin Street state headquarters after attending the routine Friday meeting of the state secretariat.

Basu has already made it clear that he will not be able to attend the CPM party congress scheduled to be held in Coimbatore in March-end.

Beset by age-related problems, he has been irregular in his attendance at politburo meetings, mostly skipping the ones not held here.

Three years ago, Basu had conveyed a similar wish to the leadership, but verbally. His request was turned down, and the party said it would not be able to do without his guidance.