Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, a prominent figure in Indian politics and former Chief Minister of West Bengal, passed away this morning at his residence in South Kolkata. He was 80 years old.
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had been struggling with health issues for some time, primarily respiratory problems that led to frequent hospitalizations. Last year, he was placed on life support after contracting pneumonia but managed to recover. He is survived by his wife Meera and son Suchetan.
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
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, a former member of the CPM’s Politburo, served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011, succeeding Jyoti Basu. His tenure as Chief Minister marked the end of a 34-year Communist rule in the state, following the historic win of Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress in the 2011 state elections.
Known for his simple lifestyle, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee spent his final moments at his modest two-bedroom flat on Palm Avenue, from where he once governed the state. In accordance with his wishes, his organs will be donated for medical research. His body will be kept at the CPM headquarters for followers to pay their respects, with the final journey scheduled for tomorrow.
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An alumnus of Kolkata’s prestigious Presidency College, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee initially worked as a school teacher before transitioning into full-time politics. He served as an MLA and a state minister before being promoted to Deputy Chief Minister. In 2000, he took over as Chief Minister from Jyoti Basu. Bhattacharjee led the CPM to victories in the 2001 and 2006 Assembly elections.
During his time in office, Bhattacharjee’s government adopted a more open policy towards business compared to his predecessor. However, this approach, particularly land acquisitions for industrialization, contributed to the Left Front’s defeat in the 2011 election. The Tata Motors plant controversy in Singur and the Nandigram violence, which resulted in 14 deaths due to police action, were significant setbacks for his administration.
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The 2011 election saw the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, capitalizing on the anti-incumbency sentiment and opposition to the government’s land acquisition policies. The party won 184 seats, marking the end of the Left Front’s dominance in West Bengal. Since then, the CPM has struggled to regain its foothold, with the BJP emerging as the primary opposition.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed his condolences to Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s family.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, reflecting on her long association with the veteran leader, stated, “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 to Meeradi and Suchetan at this hour of grief. I communicate my condolences to the members of the CPI(M) party and all his followers. We have already taken a decision that we shall give him full respect and ceremonial honour during his last journey and rites.”
Leader of the Opposition, BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, also expressed his sorrow, saying he is “deeply saddened” by the news and extending his condolences to Bhattacharjee’s family and admirers.
Long-time comrade and CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury described Bhattacharjee’s death as “shattering,” adding, “Shattering news about Buddha da. The news reached me as I was having a cataract removed. His dedication to the party, West Bengal, our shared ideals and also his ability to look ahead will always function as a lodestar.”
