Remembering CPI-M`s `Bhishma`-- Harikishen Singh `Surjeet`

An activist and a comrade

`An activist and a comrade`, these were the words, which my friends and I unanimously agreed upon while discussing Harikishen Singh alias `Surjeet` last month. While discussing, one of my friends called him `Bhishma` of India`s oldest political party CPI-M, which went well with his persona. A leader, a patriot and a kingmaker, `Surjeet` knew well what he wanted from life, whether it was his laudable contribution to coalition politics or his commitment to secularism. A member of the Communist Party of India, Surjeet`s life has been an open book and has set an example for all those who have the will and courage to face the pain and suffering that he suffered as he embarked on his political journey.

The veteran leader, who was recuperating at the Metro Hospital in Noida since July 25, breathed his last after `a cardiac arrest` on August 1 at the age of 92. His wife Pritam Kaur, two sons and a daughter survive him. The nonagenarian leader was cremated on Aug 3.

Harkishan Singh Surjeet, who was perhaps the most authoritative spokesman for the Left and democratic forces in the country, passed after a profound illness, leaving a vacuum in the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI-M, which he had nourished to grow nationally. With his demise it seems as if an era has ended. He was popularly called as oldest comrade or comrade `Surjeet`. He was like a precious diamond among cluster of stones.

`Surjeet` - The veteran leader

Born to a Bassi Jat family in Bundala, Jalandhar district Harkishan Singh Surjeet (23 March 1916 – 1 August 2008) was a communist politician from Punjab, India. He was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) from 1992 to 2005 and was a member of the party`s Polit Bureau from 1964 to 2008.

He was a master in the art of backroom operation. Initially known as `London Tod Singh`, Surjeet made a sensational entry into the political scenario during Indian freedom movement. He was one of those who laid the foundation of Indian politics.

He started his political career in the national liberation movement in his early teens, as a follower of Bhagat Singh. In 1930, he joined the movement of Bhagat Singh, Naujawan Bharat Sabha. On the anniversary of the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Surjeet hoisted the Indian tricolour at the court in Hoshiarpur, an action during which he was shot two times. During the proceedings of the case he answered the judge by the name of ‘London Tod Singh’ (he was called by the same name in later years). In 1936, Surjeet joined the Communist Party of India.

In the pre-war years he started publishing Dukhi Duniya and Chingari. When India became independent and partitioned in 1947, Surjeet became the General Secretary of CPI in Punjab.

The seven and a half decades long political life of Harkishan Singh Surjeet began by playing the role of a revolutionary against the British rule and later emerging as a national leader of the Communist Party of India and the All India Kisan Sabha.

`Pappaji`--The pragmatic kingmaker & revolutionary

Like the legendary kingmaker `Bhishma` of the epic ‘Mahabharata’, Surjeet played the lead role in keeping BJP out of power in 1996 and his assistance to Congress helped them to be in power till now. Though today both CPI-M and Congress are sharing bitter relations but `Pappaji` has always been respected and admired for his leadership qualities. He played a crucial role in 1989, 1996 and 2004 in creating political formations and setting up of governments, which excluded the communal forces.

Surjeet`s stand for the country

His firm stance and leadership in fighting against Khalistani terrorism in Punjab and the sacrifice made by over 200 Communists in fighting extremism constitutes a glorious chapter in his life. From the late fifties, Surjeet was involved in tackling the problems of Jammu & Kashmir. He played a role in the evolution of the Assam Accord in the eighties. Imbued with deep anti-imperialism and the values of the nationalist movement, Surjeet looked at all issues of national unity from a democratic and secular standpoint.

Nation loses a dedicated activist in `Surjeet` Singh

As General Secretary of the CPI(M), he became the most authoritative spokesman for the Left and democratic forces in the country. He worked tirelessly for the defence of democratic and secular values and to see that India maintained its non-aligned and independent foreign policy. His views were sought and his advice heard with respect in political circles. After his death, the Party has lost an outstanding leader and the country an authoritative representative of the Left and secular tradition. His death was grieved throughout the country.
Hariskishen Singh Surjeet or our `Bhishma`would always be remembered as a man committed to the welfare of the downtrodden – a real angel for the poor and working class. His ideologies and principles will always be cherished.