Gandhi calls on Basu, bids adieu to Marxist veteran

Outgoing West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi today called on veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu at the latter's residence in a farewell call on his last day in office. Gandhi, who arrived at around 11.45 am at the former chief minister's Indira Bhavan residence at Salt Lake, exchanged pleasantries during his 10-minute visit. He told Basu about his departure for Chennai tomorrow.

"I remember the days when we met in South Africa ... We often remember Kamal-di (Basu's late wife)," Gandhi told the veteran leader.

Basu, aided by his personal assistant Joykrishna Ghosh, told Gandhi that he found it difficult to carry on a conversation as his sight and hearing have dimmed with age. Gandhi and Basu presented bouquets to each other.

Later, the governor told newsmen that he had first met Basu in London in 1992.

"I have the privilege of having his guidance in many matters, especially in the last five years," Gandhi said.