Basu's taped address draws applause

CPI(M) 19TH PARTY CONGRESS

It was a never-before sight at a CPI(M) Party Congress. A video recording of a leader was played for the audience. Jyoti Basu, the patriarch of the party, was unable to attend, but he did make his presence felt through the tape.

Speculations about his possible retirement might be put to rest after he said: "I have spent 67 years in the party. Now I'm not able to do much. But I will be happy to contribute whatever little I can."

His speech, was greeted with thunderous applause."I have attended all the Party Congresses' except the 4th Congress of the CPI (undivided communist party) in 1956 as I was busy in a movement against merging Bengal with Bihar. Now, ailing health prevented me from coming to Coimbatore", he said.