Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Passes Away at 80

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, former chief minister of West Bengal and veteran CPI(M) leader, passed away at 80 after battling chronic respiratory issues. He served as CM from 2000 to 2011, known for his efforts to industrialize the state. Bhattacharjee is survived by his wife and daughter.

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the former chief minister of West Bengal and a veteran leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), passed away on Thursday at his residence in Kolkata. He was 80 years old.

Bhattacharjee, who had been battling chronic respiratory issues for several years, breathed his last at his home, surrounded by family members. He is survived by his wife, Mira, and daughter Suchetana.

A prominent figure in West Bengal politics for decades, Bhattacharjee served as the state's chief minister from 2000 to 2011. His tenure was marked by efforts to industrialize the state and attract foreign investment, although these initiatives also faced significant opposition and controversies.

Known for his intellectual prowess and commitment to leftist ideology, Bhattacharjee was a key figure in the CPI(M), which governed West Bengal for an uninterrupted 34 years until 2011. His leadership saw both achievements and challenges, including the contentious land acquisition issues in Singur and Nandigram.

In recent years, Bhattacharjee had largely withdrawn from active politics due to his deteriorating health. Despite his physical absence from the political arena, he remained a respected voice within the party and continued to influence leftist thought in the state.

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The news of Bhattacharjee's passing has elicited condolences from across the political spectrum. Leaders from various parties have expressed their grief and acknowledged his contributions to West Bengal's development and Indian politics at large.

As West Bengal mourns the loss of one of its most significant political figures, Bhattacharjee's legacy as a communist leader who attempted to blend ideology with pragmatic governance will be remembered and debated for years to come.