Home Minister P Chidambaram today described veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu as a great son of India and a source of inspiration. 95-year-old Basu "strode like a colossus on the Indian political scene for several decades. He was a great patriot, a
great democrat, a great Parliamentarian and a great source of inspiration," Chidambaram, who was on a visit to the city and rushed to the hospital, said.

He said Basu served the people of India with the best of his ability. "It's a sad day for all of us...we will
remember this great son of India...we salute his memory."

"He lived a full life...For the last fortnight, he suffered a lot. The West Bengal government and his family
provided him with the best medical care in the country. We are deeply sad at his passing away.

"I offer my sincere condolence to his family and the people of West Bengal," the Home Minister said.