Vice President Dhankhar Mourns the Loss of CPI (M) Veteran and Former WB CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed grief over the death of former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. Bhattacharjee, who was a CPI (M) leader, passed away at the age of 80. Various political leaders conveyed their condolences, highlighting his contributions to West Bengal's political landscape and cultural development.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal and a veteran of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Taking to social media platform X, Dhankhar said, "Grieved to learn about the sad demise of Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, former Chief Minister, West Bengal. Many a time as Governor of West Bengal, I had the benefit of his wise statesmanship counsel."

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee served as the 7th Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011, succeeding Jyoti Basu and was the second and last CPI (M) leader to serve in this role. Despite his significant contributions, his party lost to Mamata Banerjee-led TMC in the 2011 elections, ending a 34-year communist rule in the state. Vice President Dhankhar conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Bhattacharjee's bereaved family and relatives.

"My heartfelt condolences to all the family members and relatives. I pray the Almighty bestows eternal peace on the departed noble soul and gives fortitude to the bereaved family to bear this huge loss," Dhankhar posted. Political figures such as West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, West Bengal BJP Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed their sorrow over Bhattacharjee's passing.

CPI (M) State Secretary Md Salim remarked, "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." He praised Bhattacharjee for his roles as an administrator, secular leader, and upholder of progressive cultural values. Bhattacharjee, who joined CPI (M) in 1966, rose through the ranks to become a member of the Party's Central Committee and Polit Bureau, making notable contributions in policy shaping and cultural development.

Throughout nearly three decades of ministerial and chief ministerial service, Buddhadeb played a pivotal role in the Left Front government. A poet, playwright, and author, he translated numerous international literary works into Bengali and wrote extensively on China's transformations. His dedication to communism was reflected in his humble lifestyle, living in a modest two-room apartment even as Chief Minister. (ANI)