Jyoti Basu Not To Retire

Date: 
Thursday, November 18, 1999

Press Statement

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) has issued the following statement:

The Polit Bureau discussed the request of Com. Jyoti Basu to relieve him from the responsibility of Chief Ministership of the Government of West Bengal due to his ill health. The Polit Bureau appreciated his difficulties regarding his health problems. However keeping in mind the complex political situation and his vast political and administrative experience, the Polit Bureau felt his services are still required and therefore requested him to continue with his responsibility. Com. Jyoti Basu accepted this request.
The Polit Bureau decided that to lessen his burden in discharging his responsibilities as the Chief Minister, the post of Deputy Chief Minister may be created. The Polit Bureau decided to request the West Bengal State Secretariat of the Party to take necessary steps in this direction.