Jyoti Basu

Born on July 8, 1914 in Calcutta.
Educated at St. Xavier's School and College and Presidency College, Calcutta. B.A Honours in English, Bar at Law from Middle Temple, London.
Initiated to Marxism and Politics while in UK. Came in close association with Harry Pollitt, Rajani Palme Dutt, Ben Bradley and other leaders of the Communist Party of Great Britain.
Was a member of the India League, London, a member of the Federation of Indian Students in Great Britain, Secretary of the London Majlis.
On return to India became a member of the Communist Party of India. As a trade-unionist, was an important functionary of the B.A. Railroad Workers' Union and the All India Railwaymen's Federation. He was also in the leadership of several other trade union organisations.
Between 1952 and 1957, was Secretary of the West Bengal Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of India.
Elected to the Bengal Legislative Assembly in 1946.

After independence, elected to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1991 and 1996.
Was the leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly from 1957 to 1967.
Was Deputy Chief Minister of the two United Front Governments in West Bengal in 1967 and 1969.
Took his oath as Chief Minister of West Bengal on 21^st June, 1977. Headed the Left Front government in the State for five consecutive terms.
Relinquished the office of the Chief Minister on November 6, 2000.
Member of the Central Committee and Special Invitee to the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M)