Kolkata, July 08: Living epitome of Indian Marxism, Jyoti Basu turned 90 today regaling fellow comrades with characteristic 'Basuspeak', a trait that never fails to evoke respect among followers of the politician of many winters. "I have completed 90 and everyone is wishing me good health and long life. I can tell you this much that as long as I live I will continue to work for the people," Basu said standing besides a life-size wax likeness presented to him by an Asansol sculptor at his residence, Indira Bhavan.

As lensmen clicked away capturing rare moments of his life on celluloid, for the first time in recent memory, Basu played to popular demands -- giving 'retakes' of putting a pen into the pocket of the statue, smiling and waving. Emerging out of his residence to thunderous applause of hundreds of waiting children, partymen and admirers, Basu was visibly excited to see the wax figurine, kept there as a surprise gift by family members.

"This looks exactly like me! look he has even shoes just like mine. I haven't seen anything like this before," he said admiring the details of the white dhoti-kurta clad statue and taking time to compare his own attire with it.


Despite having voluntarily stepped down from chief ministership on grounds of ill health in November 2000 after being at the helm of affairs in West Bengal for 23 years from 1977, Basu still remains the greatest crowd puller among state politicians. Accepting a 'hammer and sickle' shaped bouquet and raising it above his head, he said, "To all children who can't come near me but have waited for long hours since morning, here is my love."

Bureau Report