Human tsunami at Jyoti Basu’s procession

Kolkata, Jan. 19: Central Kolkata came to a standstill on Tuesday as tens of thousands hit the streets to pay homage to former chief minister and CPI(M) patriarch Jyoti Basu.

People waited patiently in long serpentine queues outside the state Assembly to pay their last respects to the Marxist icon. A large number, however, could not get a chance as the gates of the Assembly were closed as scheduled while thousands were still waiting their turn.

People came from as far as UP and Bihar besides all parts of the state. They carried placards saying “Jyoti Basu We Will Never Forget You” and chanted “Comrade Basu Amar Rahen.”