The former West Bengal chief minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, passed away at home on Thursday. He was eighty years old. The former CM has suffered from persistent respiratory problems for several years.
Reactions and Condolences
The seasoned CPI(M) politician leaves behind his son Suchetan and his wife Mira. Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, sent her condolences on the senior leader’s passing.
“Saddened and shocked by the unexpected passing of Sri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the former chief minister.” I’ve known him for a few decades now, and in the past few years, I’ve been to his house a few times while he was sick and essentially bedridden. My deepest sympathies are extended to Meeradi and Suchetan during this difficult time. I send my sympathies to all of his supporters and the members of the CPI(M) party,” she posted on X (previously known as Twitter).
“We have already decided that we shall give him full respect and ceremonial honor during his last journey and rites,” the speaker continued. Suvendu Adhikari, a BJP politician and opposition leader from West Bengal, also sent his sympathies.
Shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Chief Minister Sri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. I have been knowing him for last several decades, and visited him a few times when he was ill and effectively confined to home in the last few years.
My very sincere condolences…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 8, 2024
“I am quite sorry to hear that Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, the former chief minister of West Bengal, has departed for heaven. My sympathies go out to his loved ones and supporters. I hope and pray that he finds eternal peace. Om Shanti,” penned him.
I am deeply saddened to learn that former West Bengal Chief Minister; Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has left for his heavenly abode.
Condolences to his family members and admirers.
I pray that his soul finds eternal peace.
Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/312uZBGFCV— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) August 8, 2024
Political Career of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee
Veteran CPI(M) leader Bhattacharjee succeeded Jyoti Basu as the West Bengal chief minister from 2002 until 2011. The 34-year hegemony of the Left Front, led by the CPI(M), in the state came to an end in 2011 when Bhattacharjee lost the assembly election to Mamata Banerjee.
Bhattacharjee became an active member of the CPI(M) in 1966. He was chosen to serve as state secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation in 1968. The Democratic Youth Federation of India was formed by the union of the CPI(M) and its youth wings. In 1972, he was elected to the CPI(M) state committee, and in 1982, he was admitted into the state secretariat.
Legacy and Personal Life
In the West Bengal government, the former chief minister also held the positions of minister of information and cultural affairs as well as minister of information and public relations. He held positions in the municipal affairs and urban development sectors. Bhattacharjee has previously served on the Politburo, the CPM’s highest decision-making body.
His time as chief minister was characterized by protests over Mamata Banerjee’s industries’ seizure of land. He has largely avoided attending public events over the past five years and has kept sequestered in his two-room government residence on Palm Avenue in south Kolkata.
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