I would like to express my deep shock and sadness at the sudden death of CPI(ML) Politburo member Comrade Swapan Mukherjee. For South Asia Solidarity Group, he was a long-term and deeply valued comrade and friend, but my memories of him go much further back to long before SASG was formed.

I remember Comrade Swapan when he was a young man in the late seventies when he worked with my mother, Amiya Rao, in the Civil Liberties movement which emerged in the immediate post-Emergency period. In this phase he often visited our house in Delhi and I remember his infectious enthusiasm and commitment and the dry humour which he shared with my mother. In later years my mother often spoke about him with deep affection.

I can also never forget his support in the years immediately after my mother passed away when my sister and I set up the Champa Foundation to commemorate my parents' principles and as a part of the larger movement for Democratic Rights. Despite his many commitments, Comrade Swapan made sure he was available to advise us and to speak at a memorable Champa meeting about Trade Union Rights and Corporate Crimes.

Comrade Swapan's untimely death is an enormous loss not only for CPI(ML) but for all of us on the left and for those involved in progressive movements nationally and internationally.

Lal Salaam to Comrade Swapan Mukherjee!
-- Amrit Wilson
South Asia Solidarity Group, London

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I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Com. Swapan Mukherjee, member of the Polit Bureau of the CPI(ML)-Liberation.

Com. Swapan was a very dedicated and tireless worker for the cause of the downtrodden and the teeming millions in the country.

I have had various interactions with him during the joint meetings of the Left parties that we have had in recent years. He came across as a comrade who was unflinching in his commitment to the ideology he espoused.

His death is a big loss to the CPI(ML) and the democratic movement in this country.

On behalf of the CPI(M) I convey heartfelt condolences to the entire membership of the CPI(ML)-Liberation, to his wife, son, daughter and all other members of his family.

Sitaram Yechury
General Secretary
Communist Party of India(Marxist)

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Comrade Swapan Mukherjee was a dedicated Communist leader and an able organiser of the working class movement. In his death the CPI(ML) Liberation and the Left movement has suffered a big loss. Let us pledge to carry out his revolutionary ideals.

Red Salute to Swapan Mukherjee!

-- Prakash Karat
Member, Polit Bureau, CPI(M)

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The All India Forward Bloc deeply condoles the sad demise of Comrade Swapan Mukherjee. The untimely and sudden death of Comrade Swapan Mukherjee, Trade Union Leader and the Polit Bureau member of CPI (ML) is a great loss of the working class movement in India.

Comrade Swapan's contribution for the working class movement and the left unity will be remembered for ever. With the death of Comrade Swapan Mukherjee an era has been come to an end.

The All India Forward Bloc express deepest sorrow and grief to the comrades of CPI(ML) and AICCTU in particular and the comrades and friends of Indian left-democratic movement in general. We also express our condolence to the bereaved family of Com. Swapan Mukherjee.

-- Debabrata Biswas
General Secretary,
All India Forward Bloc,
Central Committee

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Comrade Swapan’s is a great loss not only to the CPI(ML) and AICCTU but a loss to the Left movement. He was needed at this critical juncture in the history of our country. We will remember you Swapan Da for your dedication to the cause of the working class,

-- Amarjit Kaur
Member, National Council, CPI
Secretary, AITUC

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Comrade Swapan is no more; it is a great loss to the trade union movement and also to the Left movement that too at the present crucial juncture. It is also a big shock and great personal loss to me. We were close friends in all senses. Red Salute Comrade Swapan Mukherjee,

-- Padmanabhan
General Secretary, CITU

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The Indian working class has lost a fighter for its cause. We condole his death.

RK Sharma
SUCI (C), Delhi

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The human rights movement and especially PUCL is very much grieved by the sudden and untimely demise of Comrade Swapan who was above sectarian considerations and was a source of strength and inspiration for all progressive and democratic movements in the country. On behalf of myself and PUCL I express my heartfelt condolences to CPI(ML), his family members and all comrades.

-- ND Pancholi
PUCL

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Comrade Swapan Mukherjee was a great trade union leader who dedicated his life to the struggles of workers, peasants and the oppressed. The entire TUCC family is deeply grieved at his untimely demise.

AK Mishra
National Secretary, TUCC

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Truly, there are few so tall.

We have lost a comrade with a fine sense of history, a deep commitment against sectarianism and a strong sense of united purpose.

-- Gautam Mody
New Trade Union Initiative

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Deeply shocked by sudden, unexpected passing away of Comrade Swapan Mukherjee. I had met and exchanged views with him recently in Pune at the Council Meeting. I convey my deeply felt condolences to CPIML and to his family.

-- B J Kerkar
Lal Nishan Party (Leninist), Pune

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The CPI(ML) Red Star Central Committee conveys its condolences to the Central Committee of CPI(ML) Liberation, and to his family at the untimely death of its Polit Bureau member, Comrade Swapan Mukherjee on 6th September.

Red Salute to Comrade Swapan Mukherjee!

-- K N Ramachandran
General Secretary, CPI(ML)
Red Star