The following is the statement issued by the CITU on October 31

THE Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) is deeply grieved on the passing away of Comrade Gurudas Dasgupta, veteran trade union leader of the country and eminent parliamentarian for decades, this morning in Kolkata after prolonged illness. He was 84 years of age.

Comrade Gurudas Dasgupta breathed his last on October 31, on the very day a century before when India’s first central trade union, the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), was formed heralding the unity and struggle of the working class movement and workers participation in the national freedom movement, the legacy of which both AITUC and CITU carries. He led the AITUC as its general secretary for more than a decade.

Comrade Gurudas Dasgupta joined the communist movement from his student days. He was an eminent national level student leader and steered the All India Students Federation for long. Later, he joined the trade union movement. His association with the working class movement was for more than five decades.

Comrade Gurudas Dasgupta played important role in broadening the united platform of trade unions to lead the working class struggle against neoliberal economic policy regime.

Comrade Gurudas Dasgupta was member of both houses of the parliament, the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, for two and half decades championing the cause of the working class and all other marginalised sections of people which made him an outstanding parliamentarian.  

CITU salutes the departed leader in memory of his great contribution for the cause of toiling people, for their rights and livelihood; in defending the democracy and the unity and integrity of the country and its people.

of Comrade Gurudas Dasgupta is a big loss to the working class and democratic movement of the country. 

CITU pays respectful homage to the departed leader and conveys its heartfelt condolence to the comrades of AITUC and his bereaved family members.