Former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, 76, was put out of mechanical ventilation on Friday. Doctors said the CPM veteran was conscious and alert.

A bulletin issued by the Woodlands Hospital, where he is admitted since Wednesday after acute breathing trouble, said his lungs were working on their own. On non-invasive ventilation now, he met wife Mira and daughter Suchetana, the bulletin said. However, he will take some more time to come out of danger.

“Treating doctors are observing and managing him 24x7. We have to give some more time to say he is completely out of danger. So the prognosis at this time remains guarded and critical,” said the bulletin.

CPM leader and doctor Fuad Halim said Bhattacharjee was better. "I hope he continues like that," he added.