New Delhi, Jan 17 (Inditop.com) Expressing “profound grief” at the passing away of its seniormost leader Jyoti Basu, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Sunday said he was a Marxist who was not dogmatic.

“Jyoti Basu was a Marxist who never wavered in his convictions. He was a Marxist who was not dogmatic and continued to learn from his vast experience in charting out the course for the party,” the CPI-M politburo said in a statement.

The party, while saluting the memory of its “beloved departed comrade”, said: “We pledge to carry forward his cause and work.”

“The Left movement in the country was fortunate in having such an accomplished and dedicated leader at the helm of affairs in West Bengal and in the leadership of the CPI-M for such a long time. His precious legacy is there for all of us to cherish and nurture,” the politburo said.

“We convey our heartfelt condolences to his son, Chandan Basu, grand daughters and other family members,” it added.