Wednesday, September 13 2006 17:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) politburo meeting today (Sept 13, 2006) shot down a proposal by veteran leader Jyoti Basu to quit the highest decision making body of the party.

The politburo, which ended its two-day meeting here Wednesday, immediately dismissed the wish of the 93-year-old leader, who served as West Bengal Chief Minister for 23 years, said another member M.K. Pande.

The party, which props up the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the centre, discussed many issues, including its strategy for the coming assembly elections in states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab and differences with the ruling alliance. But Basu's retirement was not on the agenda.

"There was no scope for discussion on the matter of his retirement and it was immediately shot down," Pande said.

"The party needs him. There is no question of his quitting," CPI-M state secretary and Left Front chairman Biman Bose earlier said, making it amply clear that Basu, who has been in active politics for the past 66 years, will not be relieved of his duties.

The veteran communist leader last month hurt himself after he fell in his room while trying to switch off the air conditioner in the night. He sustained injuries in the hip joint.

Despite old age, Basu still takes interest in state and national politics and never hides his candid opinions on many issues concerning the nation and the party.

"On my birthday, I feel I am not above 92. I am 29 today," Basu told visitors on his birthday on July 8 this year. He has of late also criticised his successor Buddhadeb Bhattacharya for getting involved in cricket politics and not following the right steps in land acquisition move in Singur.

"I am into active politics for 66 years. I will work for people till my last breath. Our interest is only people's interest and welfare," Basu had recently said.

In 1996, he could have been prime minister but was restrained by the party, a decision he later dubbed a historical blunder for the communists.

Jyoti Basu was the chief minister of West Bengal from 1977, since the party rode to power in the state, to 2000 when he retired on health grounds and nominated his deputy Buddhadeb Bhattacharya to succeed him.