Monday, March 27 2006 18:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: Thousands of people today (Mar 27, 2006) bade a tearful farewell to CPI(M) politburo member and state secretary of CPI(M) Anil Biswas, who passed away here yesterday.

His last journey from the CPI (M) state headquarters at Alimmudin Street, where his body was kept since the morning, started at 4:50 pm in a procession.

CPI(M) cadres holding 62 party flags at half mast signifying his age, marched in the vanguard of the procession, with a flower bedecked hearse following carrying the body of Biswas, who was a key party strategist and known for his organisational skills.

CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat, Politiburo members Sitaram Yechury, Brinda Karat, Biman Bose besides several Left Front ministers and leaders of left partners marched in the procession.

Biswas' wife, daughter and family members followed in a car.

Thousands of people lined the road as the hearse passed by for a last glimpse of the departed leader. The police had a trying time managing the crowd.

His body was handed over to the authorities of the Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital as Biswas had pledged to donate it for medical research.

His eyes were removed last night according to his wish to donate them.