Former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Passes Away at 80

Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, passed away at the age of 80, marking the end of an era. Leaders from across the spectrum expressed their condolences, remembering his contributions to politics, community service, and Bengali literature.

Former Chief Minister of West Bengal and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passed away at the age of 80 on Thursday morning in Kolkata. He had been suffering from ailments related to old age.

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee served as the chief minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011, succeeding Jyoti Basu. In the 2011 assembly polls, Bhattacharjee-led CPI (M) lost to Mamata Banerjee's TMC, ending a 34-year communist rule in the state. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences, stating, "Shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Chief Minister Sri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. My very sincere condolences to Meeradi and Suchetan at this hour of grief."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also offered his condolences, saying, "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."

BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, 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." Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called Bhattacharjee a stalwart in public service, noting his extensive political career and contributions to Bengali literature and community service.

CPI (M) West Bengal State Secretary Md Salim expressed his sorrow, stating, "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."

(With inputs from agencies.)