India, April 11 -- Abdur Razzak Molla, who served as minister in both Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments, died at his home at Bankri village in South 24 Parganas district on Friday morning. He was 80 and was suffering from age-related ailments, his family said.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the veteran leader's death. "I am saddened and shocked by the passing of my colleague, Abdur Razzak Mollah. He was my colleague in the state cabinet. I respected and honoured him," Banerjee said in a post on X.

The state government kept all its offices and educational institutions closed for half day on Friday to pay homage to Molla.

Molla, who took pride in his humble background and all his life referred to himself as "chasar b...