CPI’s Dasgupta epitomised simplicity, humility: Ex-PM

Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 18

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said simplicity and humility are noble attributes which former CPI MP and veteran of trade union movement in the country Gurudas Dasgupta epitomised.

“There is great power in simplicity and humility which we do not realise,” said Singh while speaking at a “Memorial Meeting” relating to Dasgupta, who passed away on October 31.

The meeting was held at CPI national headquarters. The presence of Singh, who is a Congress leader, was connotatively palpable. The Left had supported Congress-led UPA government headed by Manmohan Singh till it parted ways with it on difference of opinion on the nuclear deal with the US. 

Hailing Dasgupta as a great leader who always championed the cause of working class and poor, Singh said he lived life “Spartan-like”, and never hankered for self-glory and self-profit. He never aspired for trappings of power.

Dasgupta was a five-time MP — three terms in Rajya Sabha and two in Lok Sabha — and a person who jumped into politics during student days joining ASFI, waded into labour union movement to become the general secretary of AITUC — associated with CPI — and deputy general secretary of CPI.

Singh noted that Dasgupta was always pro-active with regard floor coordination in Parliament. 

CPM chief Sitaram Yechury said his association with Dasgupta was a learning experience. “I have learnt from his vast experience,” Yechury said, adding that and his absence as “voice of Opposition” will be missed.

The CPI chief said the Left had supported the UPA government, and the earlier United Front government in the larger interest to keep intact the secular fabric of the country. However, it took up issues with the government when needed.