The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on August 23. THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) mourns the passing away of U R Ananthamurthy, renowned writer and social activist. Ananthamurthy had created a style of writing with social relevance in Kannada which had a big impact on Indian literature. A socialist by conviction, Ananthamurthy was a firm advocate of secular values, pluralist culture and social justice. In his death, the country has lost a public intellectual of great calibre. The Polit Bureau conveys its heartfelt condolences to his wife, daughter and son.