Veteran Left leader Samir Putatundu passed away at 74 in Kolkata after a prolonged illness. A prominent CPI(M) figure, Putatundu later co-founded the Party of Democratic Socialism following ideological differences. He was involved in significant political movements, including the Singur and Nandigram anti-land acquisition protests. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya expressed their condolences, recalling his contributions to various struggles.