The political landscape of West Bengal, particularly its Left movement, has lost a seasoned stalwart. Veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and former Member of Parliament, Samir Putatunda, passed away on Tuesday morning following a prolonged illness. He was 78 years old.
A Life Dedicated to the Left Movement
Samir Putatunda breathed his last at a private hospital in Kolkata, where he had been undergoing treatment for an extended period. His health had been a matter of concern for his comrades and followers for quite some time. The news of his demise sent waves of grief through the ranks of the CPI(M) and his numerous supporters across the state.
Putatunda was not just a party member; he was an institution within the CPI(M) in West Bengal. His political journey was deeply intertwined with the fortunes of the Left Front in the state. He served the people as a Member of the Lok Sabha, representing the Barrackpore constituency from 2004 to 2009. During this tenure, he was known for his grounded approach and commitment to his constituents.
Political Legacy and Tributes Pour In
Beyond his parliamentary role, Putatunda held significant organizational positions that shaped the party's direction. He was a respected member of the CPI(M) West Bengal State Committee, a crucial body for decision-making. His insights and experience were often sought in party forums, where he was regarded as a voice of reason and a repository of the party's history in the region.
The final rites are expected to be performed with full state honors, a testament to his stature and service. Tributes began flowing in immediately from across the political spectrum. Senior CPI(M) leaders, including state secretary Md. Salim, expressed profound sorrow. They remembered him as a dedicated communist who remained steadfast in his ideology and worked tirelessly for the working class until his last days.
His passing is seen as the end of an era, marking the departure of a leader from the generation that witnessed and contributed to the peak of Left politics in Bengal. Colleagues recall his unwavering discipline, simple lifestyle, and deep connection with the grassroots party workers and the public.
The Void in Bengal's Left Politics
The death of Samir Putatunda leaves a palpable void in the upper echelons of the CPI(M) in West Bengal. At a time when the party is striving to regain its foothold in state politics, the loss of such an experienced and respected figure is a significant blow. His absence will be felt in strategy meetings, political rallies, and during critical negotiations.
For the rank and file, he was a mentor and a symbol of the party's enduring values. His life story, from a committed party worker to a parliamentarian, served as an inspiration for many young communists. His demise is not just the loss of an individual but a reminder of the changing guard in Indian politics, where such veteran figures with decades of ground-level experience are becoming rare.
As West Bengal politics continues to evolve in a highly competitive environment, the wisdom and stabilizing presence of leaders like Samir Putatunda will be sorely missed. His legacy will be carried forward in the ideals he championed and the countless lives he touched through his political and social work.
