Former Chief Minister of West Bengal and veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, passed away at his Kolkata residence on Thursday morning. He was 80 years old. His demise marks the end of an era for Bengal’s political landscape, with tributes and condolences pouring in from across the nation. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s passing has left a void in the political sphere, especially among the Left parties that once dominated West Bengal.
Bhattacharjee, who served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011, had been battling multiple ailments in recent years. His health had been deteriorating steadily, and he had been hospitalised on several occasions. On July 29, 2023, he was admitted to a private hospital in Alipore with a lower respiratory tract infection and ‘Type 2’ respiratory failure. Despite medical efforts, his condition worsened, and he eventually succumbed to his prolonged illness. Former Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passes away at 80: tributes and condolences pour in from all corners, reflecting the deep respect and admiration he garnered throughout his political career.
Born on March 1, 1944, in Kolkata, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was a stalwart of the Communist movement in India. He joined the CPI(M) at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the most prominent faces of the party. Bhattacharjee took over the reins as Chief Minister from his predecessor, Jyoti Basu, in 2000, leading the Left Front government during its final years of power in West Bengal. Under his leadership, the state witnessed significant industrial and educational reforms, though his tenure was not without controversy. Even as Former Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passes away at 80, tributes and condolences pour in, remembering his contributions and his role in shaping Bengal’s modern political and social landscape.
One of the most notable aspects of Bhattacharjee’s tenure was his push for industrialisation in West Bengal. He sought to attract investment and modernise the state’s economy, which led to significant developments but also sparked widespread protests, most notably in Singur and Nandigram. These movements played a crucial role in the eventual downfall of the Left Front in the 2011 assembly elections, bringing an end to 34 years of uninterrupted CPI(M) rule in the state. Following the electoral loss to Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, Bhattacharjee took a step back from active politics. As Former Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passes away at 80: tributes and condolences pour in, many recall the complex legacy he leaves behind—a leader of vision and resolve, yet one whose decisions also led to profound political shifts in the state.
In his later years, Bhattacharjee remained largely out of the public eye due to his declining health. He stayed confined to his Palm Avenue apartment in Kolkata, making rare public appearances. The most memorable of these was in 2019, when he surprised party workers by arriving at a Left Front rally at the Brigade Parade Ground with oxygen support. Despite his ailing health, he continued to inspire many within the party and beyond. As news of Former Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passes away at 80 broke, tributes and condolences poured in, highlighting his enduring influence on Bengal’s political narrative.
Bhattacharjee’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum. Leaders from various parties have expressed their condolences, remembering him as a leader who dedicated his life to the service of the people and the ideals he believed in. His wife, Mira, and daughter, Suchetana, survive him, and they, along with countless supporters, mourn the loss of a man who was more than just a politician—he was a guiding force for many.
As Former Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passes away at 80: tributes and condolences pour in, it is clear that his legacy will continue to resonate in West Bengal and beyond. His contributions to the state and his role in the broader Communist movement in India will be remembered for years to come, as a chapter in Bengal’s history comes to a close with his passing.
