CPI leader Bardhan dead

NEW DELHI: Veteran Communist Party of India leader A B Bardhan, who steered the party during the turbulent period of coalition politics at national level in 1990s, died here tonight after prolonged illness.

Bardhan, 92, is survived by son Ashok and daughter Alka. His wife, a professor in Nagpur University, died in 1986.

Bardhan was admitted to G B Pant hospital here after he suffered paralytic stroke last month.

Dr Vinod Puri, Director and Professor of Neurology in G B Pant Hospital, said Bardhan “died at 8:20PM. He had a brain stroke due to blockage in the middle cerebral artery. He was in comma.”

Earlier in the day, Raja said the condition of Bardhan had “worsened” with his blood pressure levels falling.

“Condition of Comrade Bardhan has worsened today. He was put off ventilator yesterday and was able to breath normally. But today, his blood pressure (level) fell and his condition has turned very critical now,” CPI national secretary D Raja said. (AGENCIES)