BuzzBytes Kolkata, August 8, 2024:
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, a stalwart of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and former Chief Minister of West Bengal, passed away this morning at his south Kolkata residence. He was 80 years old. Bhattacharjee had been struggling with respiratory problems for some time, which led to frequent hospitalizations. Last year, he was put on life support after contracting pneumonia but managed to recover. He is survived by his wife Meera Bhattacharjee and son Suchetan Bhattacharjee.
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, an alumnus of Presidency College, Kolkata, began his career as a school teacher before transitioning to full-time politics. He was a prominent figure in the CPI(M), serving on its top decision-making body, the Politburo. He succeeded Jyoti Basu as the Chief Minister of West Bengal in 2000, a position he held until 2011. His tenure marked significant political and economic changes in the state.
As Chief Minister, Bhattacharjee adopted a more business-friendly stance compared to his predecessor, Jyoti Basu. His government pursued industrialization and land acquisition policies aimed at boosting the state’s economy. These policies, however, were met with mixed reactions and led to significant controversies.
One of the most notable controversies during Bhattacharjee’s tenure was the Tata Motors plant in Singur. The Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, spearheaded a movement against the land acquisition for the plant. This movement eventually led Tata Motors to relocate the project to Gujarat in 2008, citing the protests as the primary reason. This was a major setback for Bhattacharjee’s industrialization efforts.
Another significant incident was the violence in Nandigram, where police action against protesters opposing land acquisition for a chemical hub project resulted in 14 deaths. These incidents severely damaged the Left Front government’s image and contributed to its downfall in the 2011 state elections.
The 2011 state elections marked a turning point in West Bengal’s political landscape. The Trinamool Congress, which had won only 30 seats in the 2006 elections, capitalized on the anti-incumbency sentiment and the controversies surrounding land acquisitions. The party won 184 seats, ending the 34-year-long Communist rule in the state. Bhattacharjee’s government was ousted, and Mamata Banerjee became the Chief Minister.
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was known for his intellectual demeanor and dedication to public service. Despite his political commitments, he maintained a low profile in his personal life. In recent years, his health had been a major concern. His respiratory issues and the bout with pneumonia took a toll on him, leading to multiple hospitalizations and periods of critical care.
Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences on Bhattacharjee’s passing. Mamata Banerjee, the current Chief Minister of West Bengal, stated, “Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was a dedicated leader who played a significant role in shaping West Bengal’s political and economic landscape. His contributions will be remembered.”
Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary of the CPI(M), also paid tribute, saying, “Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was a true leader of the people. His vision and efforts towards industrialization and economic growth have left an indelible mark on the state. We mourn his loss deeply.”
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s death marks the end of an era in West Bengal politics. His tenure as Chief Minister was marked by significant achievements as well as notable controversies. As the state mourns his passing, his legacy as a leader dedicated to the development and betterment of West Bengal will continue to be remembered.
