CPI(M) Polit Bureau member and leader of Party group in Rajya Sabha, Sitaram Yechury, called upon people to steadfastly defend secularism and secular democratic ideals. Speaking at Jyoti Basu centenary celebrations in Darjeeling town, Yechury recollected the role of Jyoti Basu in defending the secular fabric of the country and said, Basu was unwavering on this question. As a communist leader and as an administrator Basu always upheld the principle of secularism without faltering. He was an example on this question. Yechury outlined the contributions of Basu and said he was a champion of workers’ and peasants’ rights. He led many struggles of the working people and defended unity of the working people. Basu also championed the cause of restructuring centre-state relations and consistently upheld the principles of federalism. This is an important element to defend the unity and integrity of our country. Yechury emphasised that special package like for the north eastern states might be introduced for the Darjeeling hill areas. Responsibility of development of Darjeeling rests both with the centre and the state government. Yechury’s meeting drew enthusiastic response in Darjeeling town, where CPI(M) cannot function normally since a long time. Among others who were present in the meeting were Ananda Pathak, Ashok Bhattacharya, Jibesh Sarkar, K B Watar, Lakhman Pradhan of Gorkha League. (INN)