Veteran CPIML leader Comrade Jagdev Mahato, at the age of 80, on the morning of December 10, 2024, at PMCH in Patna. Comrade Mahato had been battling the severe respiratory illness, COPD, for a long period. He was a former General Secretary of the Patna Mahanagar Workers' Union and Sudha Dairy Drivers' Union. Comrade Jagdev Mahato, fondly known as Bhaiya, was deeply committed to the CPI(ML) from his student days. During the underground struggle, his residence became a crucial shelter for the party leadership. His entire family was dedicated to the party's cause. It was from his house that Comrade Ram Naresh Ram contested and won his first legislative assembly election in Sahar, Bhojpur.

Born into a middle-class farmer's family in Rosera village, Samastipur, in 1944, Comrade Mahato completed his undergraduate studies from Samastipur College. In 1962, he started his career as a primary school teacher in Samastipur. After two to three years, he left the job in protest against the administration. He then joined the municipal tax collector's job in Samastipur but was dismissed due to his fight against corruption. In 1968, he moved to Patna, where he secured a position as a tax collector with the municipal corporation. He continued in government service for 34 years, from 1968 to 2002, during which he remained an active and dedicated member of the CPI(ML). With the passing of Comrade Jagdev Mahato, the party has lost a veteran and dedicated comrade.

Red Salute to Comrade Jagdev Mahato!