Kolkata, Jul 6 (IANS): West Bengal's Siliguri Municipal Corporation Mayor and veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Ashok Bhattacharya, who had tested Covid-19 positive, was released from the hospital on Monday.

Bhattacharya was admitted to a city hospital for the past three weeks.

"I am fit and fine. The doctors and nurses took really good care of me. I just want to say we need to be careful and take necessary precautions at this time of Covid-19 crisis. Moreover, we need to stay strong to fight this pandemic," Bhattacharya said upon his release.

Asked when he would join his office, Bhattacharya said he would take 15 days rest and then join the duty.

"I am thankful to the hospital staff for taking good care of me. I want to say there is nothing to fear about Covid-19," he said.

West Bengal Tourism Minister Gautam Deb said, "We want everyone to stay safe during this crisis. We are happy that the Siliguri Mayor is cured. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally requested us and the hospital management to take good care of him."