Leaders unite to mourn demise of ‘popular, inspiring’ Dasmunsi

Kolkata: Mourning the death of former Union minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday described him as a “popular leader”. She said that the late Congress leader’s last rites will be performed with full state honour on Tuesday. It will be held at his native place in Raiganj of North Dinajpur. Learning of Dasmunsi’s demise, Ms Banerjee tweeted, “I am deeply saddened by the death of Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi. It is a great loss. May his soul rest in peace.”

Paying tribute to Dasmunsi, with whom she earlier worked when she was in the Congress, the chief minister added, “My deep condolences to the members of his family, well-wishers and party workers. He was a very popular leader in Bengal since 1972. He was in coma for almost 9 years. A massive stroke in 2008 virtually ended his political career. Otherwise he could have done more in his political life. He was still alive, but now he is no more.”

The state government declared Monday a half-day work to mourn Dasmunsi’s death. Later while leaving Nabanna, the state secretariat, she recalled the last nine years of Dasmunsi’s life. “He was a Central minister for a long time. He was bed-ridden and half-dead for a long time although he was alive. He lost the power to understand anything or working capacity to survive since he slipped into coma. He was so popular and active,” Ms Banerjee elaborated.

She added, “His inactive life for the last few years have turned his death more tragic and painful. Priyada’s funeral will be held with full state honour on Tuesday following the arrival of the body. It will be held at a place which will be decided by his family and party. I am yet to know about it.” Ms Banerjee informed that she spoke to Leader of the Opposition Abdul Mannan, also a Congress MLA, about the preparations of the funeral. At night, Dasmunsi’s body would be flown in to Kolkata from New Delhi.

Many senior Trinamul Congress ministers condoled Dasmunsi’ demise. They also spoke about their past association with him. Education minister Partha Chatterjee said at the Assembly, “Those of us, who once got the chance of seeing him from close and getting blessed and advised by him during our student youth movement while working under him, are saddened by his death. The leader of the Opposition informed that all the members would attend Priyada’s funeral on Tuesday.”

He added, “He also requested that no Bill should be introduced. Discussing his request with the chief minister and Assembly Speaker, we have urged for the adjournment of the session of the House at 12 pm on Tuesday in memory of Priyada.”

Panchayat minister Subrata Mukherjee said, “I lost my father for the second time. I am shocked. Although Priyada was in coma, he remained alive. I have lost a very close person to me. There are lot of memories of him. I have no memories other than him.”

Power minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay said, “I remember I was taking part in a fund raising event on road. He used to stay at Rasbehari while me at Bhowanipore. Later he called me one day. We used to follow how he spoke, travelled across the districts and how he became popular at the national level. He was accepted and respected by all. There were lot to learn from him. He was also into literature. Besides, he used to inspire us.”

Left Front chairman Biman Bose said, “We were known to each other during the student movement. We had words among us. I never had any complaint against him in terms of behaviour.” State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury said, “Priyada was our guide. From politics to sports he was active everywhere. His death is a big loss to the nation.”