Kolkata, Jan 17 (Inditop.com) West Bengal’s business community paid rich tributes to veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu Sunday, recalling his contribution to the state.

“A life of great turmoil and struggle has finally come to an end. India is poorer on account of his demise,” Rama Prasad Goenka, founder & chairman emeritus of RPG Group, said.

Praising his leadership ability and contribution to the communist movement, Peerless General Finance and Investment Co. Ltd managing director S.K. Roy told Inditop: “He has ushered in a new era in Indian democracy. His presence raised the prestige and increased the strength of the CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist).”

Roy said had Basu got the opportunity to become prime minister, he could have brought some positive changes.

Roy was all praise for Basu for the role he played in popularising affordable housing for the middle class people. “He first propounded the concept of affordable housing for the middle class people in the state. He was very sharp and meticulous.”

Sanjeev Goenka, Vice Chairman of RPG Group, said: “Basu brought stability and direction during his unparallel tenure as chief minister.”