Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passed away in Kolkata at the age of 80 today. Bhattacharjee had been suffering from various ailments, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other age-related health issues, which had severely impacted his health in recent years.
Bhattacharjee, a stalwart of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011. During his tenure, he focused on industrial and agricultural development, with notable projects aimed at modernizing the state’s infrastructure and economy. However, his administration also faced significant challenges, particularly around controversial land acquisition policies in Singur and Nandigram, which led to widespread protests and political upheaval.
In addition to his political career, Bhattacharjee was an esteemed writer and poet, with a deep interest in Bengali literature and culture. He contributed significantly to the intellectual and cultural landscape of West Bengal, earning respect beyond the political sphere.
His passing marks the end of an era for West Bengal politics. Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with leaders and citizens expressing their condolences and paying homage to his contributions to the state. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, among others, extended her sympathies to Bhattacharjee’s family and lauded his dedication to public service and cultural enrichment.
Bhattacharjee’s legacy will be remembered for his efforts to balance industrial growth with social welfare, as well as his commitment to the cultural and intellectual heritage of West Bengal. His death is a significant loss for the state and its people.
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