Former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the veteran Left leader and former Chief Minister of West Bengal, passed away this morning at his residence in South Kolkata. He was 80 years old. Bhattacharjee had been battling health issues, particularly respiratory problems, which led to frequent hospitalizations. Last year, he was put on life support after contracting pneumonia but managed to recover.
Former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee
He is survived by his wife Meera and son Suchetan. Bhattacharjee, who was also a former member of the CPM’s Politburo, served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011, succeeding Jyoti Basu. Under his leadership, the CPM contested the 2011 state elections, which saw Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress achieve a historic victory, ending the 34-year Communist rule in the state.
Former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee
Renowned for his simple lifestyle, Bhattacharjee passed away in the 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, and his final journey will take place tomorrow.
Former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee
An alumnus of Presidency College, Kolkata, Bhattacharjee was a school teacher before fully committing to politics. He served as an MLA and a state minister, eventually becoming Deputy Chief Minister before taking over as Chief Minister when Basu stepped down in 2000. During his tenure as Chief Minister, Bhattacharjee led the CPM to Assembly poll victories in 2001 and 2006.
