RSP veteran Kshiti Goswami breathes his last at 76

Kolkata: Senior Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader and former state minister Kshiti Goswami died at a private hospital in Chennai on Sunday morning. He was suffering from many age-related illnesses, according to his family members.

Goswami was a minister for many years during the Left Front regime in the state and had held the portfolio of Public Works Department (PWD). He was also the state secretary of RSP for a few years since 2012. He was 76 and is survived by his wife and daughter.

It has been learnt that Goswami was also suffering from a lung infection. He recently had an operation at a Chennai Hospital and suddenly fell sick on Saturday night. He was subsequently admitted to a private hospital and died early in the morning.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed profound grief at the demise of Goswami. "His death is an irreparable loss to politics. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family members and followers," Banerjee said in a condolence message.

Being a leader of one of the constituents of the Left Front, Goswami was often vocal about issues in which he and his party did not adhere to the stance of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

He had spoken against the then government on its many policies, including those on Singur and Nandigram and he had openly said that the Left Front had lost considerable vote base from across the state.

Goswami was known for his amicable nature and his helping attitude brought him closer to the people cutting across party lines.

His body is expected to reach the city on Sunday night by flight, following which it will be taken to Peace World. Goswami's body will be taken to his residence on November 26 and then will be taken to the RSP office, where party workers and followers can pay tribute to the deceased leader. His body will also be taken to the state Assembly and the last rites will be performed at Keoratala crematorium at 1 pm.