Former West Bengal CM and CPI(M) leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passes away

KOLKATA: Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passed away at the age of 80 in Kolkata on Thursday. Bhattacharjee was suffering from old age-related ailments.

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee served as the chief minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011. He was the second and last CPI(M) leader who served as the CM of West Bengal, succeeding Jyoti Basu. In 2011 Assembly polls, Bhattacharjee-led CPI(M) lost to Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which ended a 34-year communist rule in West Bengal.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, in her condolence message on X, said, “Shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Chief Minister Sri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. I have known 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”.

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

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge offered his condolences on X. “My deepest condolences on the passing away of Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. He served the people in a political career spanning more than five decades”, Mallikarjun Kharge said.

West Bengal Leader of Opposition, BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari said, “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”.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, A stalwart in public service, his extensive experience of over 5 decades as an MLA, Minister and later as Chief Minister has left an indelible mark. His simplicity, rich contributions to Bengali literature and commitment to community service were noteworthy”.

CPI (M) West Bengal State Secretary Md Salim said, “It’s very sad news for us and the state and all those people of the country who think about the labourers and common people.As a good administrator, honest person, aggressive secular and such a leader, losing him is a loss for all of us”. (ANI)