Without any opposition from non-CPI(M) constituents, the ruling Left Front in West Bengal ,on Saturday, finally, accepted veteran leader Jyoti Basu's request to resign as Chief Minister and elected as his successor Buddhadev Bhattacharjee who is likely to be sworn in on November six. Briefing newsmen after the crucial LF meeting in Calcutta, Front chairman Sailen Dasgupta said "We will inform Governor Viren J Shah of our decision. Basu will submit his resignation to the Governor in a day or two but continue to function as Chief Minister till November six when Bhattacharjee will be sworn-in." The longest serving Chief Minister of the country who ruled West Bengal for consecutive 23 years announced his decision to resign on Thursday on health grounds. Dasgupta said other ministers will also take oath but "there will not be any change in their portfolios. The Deputy Chief Minister's post will be abolished." To a question Dasgupta said, a proposal to make Basu the Left Front chairman was not discussed, but he would continue to work for the party both at the state and national levels as the party politburo member.
Bureau Report