Cutting across party lines, political leaders paid rich tribute to CPI leader AB Bardhan who died in New Delhi yesterday following prolong illness. Bardhan had been admitted to GB Pant hospital in New Delhi after a paralytic stroke last month. Bardhan steered the CPI during the turbulent period of coalition politics at national level in the 1990s. His cremation will take place tomorrow.<br/><br/>In a tweet, President Pranab Mukherjee expressed heartfelt condolences on passing away of Bardhan.<br/><br/>In his tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, he will always remember Bardhan as a passionate Communist, fully committed to his ideology and principles.<br/><br/>Congress President Sonia Gandhi said, in his demise, not only the CPI but the entire nation has lost a leader, who championed the cause of the dispossessed and marginalized throughout his life.<br/><br/>CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said Bardhan's<br/>wisdom, experience and guidance will be missed. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi described his death as a<br/>huge loss to Indian politics.<br/><br/>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, she is saddened at the passing away of Bardhan. <br/><br/>JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav said the CPI stalwart had epitomized the continuous struggle for the cause of the masses and was a tall leader of the Left movement. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said an era has ended<br/>with the demise of Bardhan, who had always worked for the poor and downtrodden. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said the CPI stalwart was the epitome of political decency and selfless service.