Kolkata: Veteran Left leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Buddhadeb Bhattacharya passed away this morning at his home in south Kolkata due to an age-related illness. He was eighty. In accordance with his last wish, the former CM’s mortal remains will be donated to a state-run medical college and hospital in Kolkata on Friday.
The veteran leader is survived by his wife, Meera, and son Suchetan.
Dr. Surjya Kanta Mishra, a former minister in the Left Front government and CPI(M) Politburo member, informed reporters that the former CM had pledged his body for research for medical students.
“His body will be preserved on Thursday. On Friday morning, his body will be taken to CPI(M) state headquarters and kept there for some time for people to pay homage,” he added.
Furthermore, Dr Surjya Kanta Mishra said, “Several party leaders, including Politburo members, will be coming to pay their tributes. Thereafter, his body will be donated to any state-run medical college and hospital, which will be decided after consulting with the state health department.”
Expressing his sadness, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in a post on X, “I am Saddened by the passing of Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, former CM of West Bengal. He was a political stalwart who served the state with commitment. My heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a statement offering condolences to the deceased family members and party colleagues. She also mentioned that the late leader would receive a ceremonial honour.
“Shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. I have known him for several decades and visited him a few times when he was ill and effectively confined to his home in the last few years. My very sincere condolences to Meera di and Suchetan at this hour of grief.”
“I communicate my condolences to the members of the CPI(M) party and all his followers. We have already taken a decision that we shall give him full respect and ceremonial honour during his last journey and rites,” the Chief Minister’s statement read.
In his condolence message, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari also expressed condolences to the bereaved family members and admirers of the former Chief Minister.
“I am deeply saddened to learn that former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has left for his heavenly abode. Condolences to his family members and admirers. I pray that his soul finds eternal peace. Om Shanti,” his statement read.
The seasoned CPM leader had been hospitalised on several occasions because of long-term respiratory problems. In fact, last year, due to sickness, he had to be put on life support.
Mr Bhattacharya, a graduate of Kolkata’s prestigious Presidency College, worked as a teacher before he entered politics full-time. Prior to West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu’s resignation in 2000, Mr Bhattacharya was an MLA, a state minister, and the deputy chief minister. As Chief Minister, he led the CPM to triumph in the Assembly elections in 2001 and 2006, leaving behind a significant legacy.
During his tenure, the Left Front administration in Bengal pursued a relatively open policy toward business. Bhattacharya lost the 2011 assembly elections to the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, ending the Left Front’s 34-year rule in West Bengal.
–IANS and Media News
