CPI (M) parliamentary party leader in Lok Sabha Basudev Acharya told PTI in Kolkata that Biswas' death would not affect the party's prospects at the hustings.

"It is a great loss. We are shocked at his death at a time when we are in the midst of an election, but we will face the challenge collectively and win the polls with a bigger margin this time," he said. Echoing his confidence, CPI (M) member Shamik Lahiri also said the party would fight on the basis of collective leadership.

"I hope we will be able to fill up the gap," he said.

CPI (M) veteran Jyoti Basu had on Sunday said that formation of the seventh Left Front government in the state would be a fitting a tribute to Biswas.