Former CM & veteran Marxist Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee no more

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, veteran Marxist leader and former Bengal Chief Minister breathed his last at his Palm Avenue residence in south Calcutta on Thursday morning.

He was 80 and was unwell lately as he was suffering from respiratory problems that led to frequent hospitalisation. He is survived by his wife Meera and son Suchetan.

The state government announced a holiday on Thursday in all state government offices, educational institutions, urban and local bodies, corporations, undertakings and other grant-inaid institutions under its control as a mark of respect and for paying homage to his departed soul.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Bhattacharjee.

“He was a political stalwart who served the state with commitment.

My heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti,” Modi said in a post on X.

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who succeeded Bhattacharjee after the 2011 Assembly elections, also paid her respects, highlighting the former chief minister’s contributions to the state.

“He will be remembered for his work,” she said, recalling her visits to him during his illness.

“My very sincere condolences to Meeradi 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,” said Banerjee.

Bhattacharjee was made the Chief Minister in November 2000 when Jyoti Basu – the then longest-serving CM in the country – stepped down due to health issues.

Bhattacharjee was at the helm till May 2011 when the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress scripted a historic win, ending the 34-year Communist rule in Bengal.

Bhattacharjee, also a former member of CPI(M) Politburo, had been ailing for a long time with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.