“Former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Dies at 80”

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Passes Away at 80

Kolkata August 08,2024

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya passed away this morning, August 8, at his residence in Kolkata. He was 80 years old and is survived by his wife, Mira, and daughter, Suchetana.

Bhattacharya, who served as West Bengal’s chief minister from November 2000 to May 2011, had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in recent years. He had lived a reclusive life in a modest two-room government apartment in South Kolkata’s Ballygunge area.

In 2019, Bhattacharya made his last public appearance when he attended a CPI(M) rally but had to return home due to a dust allergy, which prevented him from participating in the event.

Biography:

Buddhadeb Bhattacharya was born on March 1, 1944, in Kolkata, West Bengal. A prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], he was known for his commitment to the party’s ideologies and his role in shaping West Bengal’s political landscape. His tenure as Chief Minister was marked by efforts to revitalize the state’s economy and manage its socio-political challenges.

Before becoming Chief Minister, Bhattacharya held various party positions and was actively involved in state politics. His leadership saw significant changes in industrial policies and infrastructure development. Despite his accomplishments, his tenure also faced criticism and challenges, particularly related to land acquisition and industrialization policies.

Bhattacharya’s legacy will be remembered for his role in the state’s political history and his contributions to the CPI(M) and the broader political sphere in West Bengal.