Former Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Passes Away

Kolkata: Veteran CPM leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, passed away at his south Kolkata home on Thursday morning at the age of 80.

He was suffering from respiratory problems that led to his frequent hospitalisations.

His organs will be donated for medical research as per his wishes. His body will be kept in the CPM headquarters for his followers to pay respects and the last journey will take place tomorrow.

He is survived by his wife Meera and son Suchetan.

Mr Bhattacharjee was a former member of the CPM’s Politburo. He was the Bengal Chief Minister from 2000 to 2011. He succeeded Jyoti Basu in the top post. Mr Bhattacharjee led the CPM into the 2011 state polls, when the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress posted a historic win, ending the 34-year Communist rule in West Bengal.

Well-known for his simple lifestyle, he breathed his last at the two-bedroom flat at Palm Avenue from where he once ran the state.

He was a school teacher before he joined politics to become an MLA and a state minister. He was the Deputy Chief Minister before Jyoti Basu stepped down in 2000. As Chief Minister, he led the CPM to Assembly poll victories in 2001 and 2006.

Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed his condolence to Mr Bhattacharjee’s family. In her condolence message, Chief Minister Banerjee said, “I am very upset. My condolences to Meera di, Suchetan and to all supporters of CPM. We have already taken a decision that we shall give him full respect and ceremonial honour during his last journey and rites,” she said.

Leader of the Opposition, BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, said he is “deeply saddened” by the news and expressed his condolences to Mr Bhattacharjee’s family and admirers.

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury described the news of Mr Bhattacharjee’s death as “shattering”. “His dedication to the party, West Bengal, our shared ideals and also his ability to look ahead will always function as a lodestar,” he added.