B.T. Ranadive, generally known as BTR, an Indian politician and trade union leader. BTR was born on December 19 1904.

BTR completed his studies in 1927, obtaining a M.A degree with distinction. In 1928 he joined the clandestine Communist Party of India. In the same year he became a major leader of the All India Trade Union Congress in Bombay. He was active with the Girini Kamgar Union of the textile workers in Bombay and with the struggles of the railway workers. He became the secretary of the GIP Railwaymens’ Union.

In 1943 he was elected to the central committee of the party. In February 1946 BTR played a major role in organizing a general strike in support of the Naval ratings revolt .

BTR was the general secretary of CPI 1948-1950. During that period the party was engaged in revolutionary uprisings, such as the Telangana armed struggle. In 1950 BTR was deposed, and denounced by the party as a "left adventurist".

In 1956, at the 4th Party Congress in Palghat, BTR was again included in the Central Committee. He became a leading figure of the leftist section of the CC.

At the time of the Indo-China border conflict in 1962, BTR was one of many prominent communist leaders jailed by the regime. In 1964 he became one of the main leaders of Communist Party of India (Marxist).

At the founding conference of Centre of Indian Trade Unions in Calcutta May 28-31 1970, BTR was elected president.

BTR passed away on April 6 1990. He central building of CITU in New Delhi is named after him, BTR Bhavan.

External link

• B.T. Ranadive: Life and Teachings by M.K. Pandhe