Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal and a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 80 in Kolkata.
Bhattacharjee had been battling ailments associated with old age. He served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011, succeeding Jyoti Basu. Bhattacharjee was the second and final CPI (M) leader to hold the position, following the defeat of his party by Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the 2011 assembly elections. This defeat marked the end of a 34-year-long communist rule in the state.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences on X, saying, “Shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Chief Minister Sri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. I have known him for several decades and visited him a few times when he was ill and effectively confined to home in recent years. My very sincere condolences to Meeradi and Suchetan at this hour of grief.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute, saying 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.”
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal and BJP member, 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.” Md Salim further added.
(Inputs from ANI)