Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passes away: CM Mamata visits Buddhadeb’s residence; Bengal Government declares holiday on August 8

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed his grief over the death of former West Bengal CM and veteran communist leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

Leader of Opposition in Tripura Assembly Jitendra Chaudhury also condoled the death of Bhattacharjee.

“Deeply saddened by the death of former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. I extend my sincere sympathy to the bereaved family and his relatives and well-wishers. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Mr. Saha wrote on Facebook.

Former Tripura CM Manik Sarkar expressed his deep sorrow over the death of Bhattacharjee.

“I am deeply saddened… He had been ailing for the past few years. It is very tough to accept his death because we have worked in different forums for a long time. I tender my sincere condolence to the departed soul”, he said.

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“I have so many fond memories of Buddhadeb Babu,” director Goutam Ghosh said after meeting the bereaved family members of Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee. 

Actor Rituparna Sengupta said she considered Bhattacharjee as a “sincere, dedicated, committed leader who followed a simple lifestyle and set an example.

Filmmaker Kamaleswar Mukherjee said “he had taken the initiative to accelerate the economic development and industrialization of West Bengal. Bengal misses such a visionary leader.”

Actor Srilekha Mitra said “I am at a loss of words about what to say. He wanted to do so much for Bengal’s industrial progress and generate employment for youth. But he could not accomplish his objectives.” 

Filmmaker Anik Dutta said “I am yet to come to terms with the news. It is more than personal loss for me.”

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Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Thursday (August 8, 2024) condoled the death of former CM of West Bengal Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

Taking to X, Mr. Majhi said, “Saddened to hear about the demise of former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. His legacy in Indian politics will be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult times.”

Chairman of RPSG Group Sanjiv Goenka said in a statement, “ Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was a person I deeply respected. He had a very human side to him. He had a unique way of motivating. Bengal lost a great leader”.

Bharat Chamber of Commerce president N.G. Khaitan said, “I have no doubt that the sad demise of the towering and amiable personality of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, former Chief Minister of West Bengal has created a huge void that will be difficult to fill in many spheres of activities of the state.

“I remember him for his bold decision with a cool mind to industrialise the state with the urge to attract investment through large-scale manufacturing.” Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce said “a veteran public service, his experience over five decades as an MLA, minister and later as chief minister has left a lasting legacy.

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“The mortal remains of former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee will be handed over to state government-run NRS Medical College and Hospital on Friday (August 9, 2024) for research work,” a CPI(M) official said.

The body of Bhattacharjee, wrapped with the CPI(M)‘s red flag, was taken out of his frugal two-room residence at Palm Avenue in south Kolkata on way to mortuary Peace World on Thursday (August 8, 2024).

“The mortal remains of Bhattacharjee will be taken to the West Bengal Assembly on Friday (August 9, 2024) morning, from where it will be taken to CPI(M) state headquarters Muzaffar Ahmed Bhavan, where leaders and the public will be able to pay their last respects to the departed leader,” the party official said on Thursday (August 8, 2024).

Bhattacharjee had donated his eyes and body.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday (August 8, 2024) paid tributes to veteran Marxist leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, saying his achievements and literary contributions have left a lasting legacy.

“His leadership and commitment to the people will continue to inspire future generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and CPI(M) cadre. Red Salute, Comrade!”, Mr. Stalin said.

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“The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its profound grief at the passing away of Comrade Buddhadeb Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, outstanding leader of the party and former chief minister of West Bengal,” the CPI(M) said in a statement.

“Bhattacharjee joined the party as a student in 1966 and participated in various student and youth movements,” the CPI(M) said.

“He played a key role in the approach and policies of the government. He made a significant contribution to the development of cultural institutions and sustaining progressive cultural values,” it further said.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that her predecessor Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who died on Thursday (August 8, 2024) morning, will be remembered for his work.

“He will remain in the minds of the people... he will be remembered for his work,” she told reporters.

“I express my condolences to his wife Mira, their child Suchetan, the CPI(M) party, the Left Front and all co-citizens,” she said.

“Though I belong to a different political party, I have my heartfelt sympathies to the (CPIM) party,” she added.

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the passing of the veteran Communist leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Thursday (August 8, 2024).

In a statement, Mr. Vijayan said he had the privilege of serving with Mr. Bhattacharjee in the CPI(M) Central Committee and polit bureau. 

He said Mr. Bhattacharjee was at the forefront of the Communist resistance against “the semi-fascist and authoritarian regime’s reign of terror” in West Bengal in the 1970s. 

Mr. Bhattacharjee was the CPI(M)‘s bulwark against trespasses on the party and its workers. Mr. Bhattacharjee stood by the dispossessed and spearheaded their democratic resistance against the government’s brutal repression, said Mr. Vijayan. 

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday condoled the death of former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, describing him as a great leader with a lasting legacy. 

“I am saddened by the demise of Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. His vast tenure of over five decades as an MLA, Minister, and eventually as Chief Minister has left a lasting legacy,” Mr. Khandu posted in X. 

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Thursday (August 8, 2024) condoled the death of former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and said the CPI(M) leader earned the respect and love from people.

“Governor Bose condoles the sad demise of former Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee,” the Raj Bhavan said in a statement.

“In his condolence message, the Governor recalled that Buddhadeb was a leader who won the love and respect from people of all walks of life with his simple life, high thinking, and affinity for literature and culture,” it added.

“The Governor prays Almighty gives the departed leader’s family and well-wishers the strength to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude,” the statement added.

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BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik on Thursday (August 8, 2024) condoled the death of West Bengal’s ex-CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and said he would be remembered for his contribution to nation-building.

Taking to X, the former Odisha CM Patnaik said, “He will be remembered for his probity in public life, welfare initiatives and his contribution to nation-building.” 

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday (August 8, 2024) expressed grief over the death of former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and described the CPI(M) leader as a stalwart in public service.

Mr. Sarma said Bhattacharjee’s extensive experience in public life has left an “indelible mark”.

“His simplicity, rich contributions to Bengali literature and commitment to community service were noteworthy, Mr. Sharma posted on ‘X’, formerly Twitter.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the residence of her predecessor Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who died on Thursday (August 8, 2024) morning.

Ms. Banerjee, who expressed shock and sadness at the demise of her predecessor in an X post, went inside the two-room government apartment of Bhattacharjee at Palm Avenue in south Kolkata.

She had also visited Bhattacharjee a few times when he was ill.

Left Front chairman Biman Bose, CPI(M) state secretary Mohd Salim and several other party leaders went to his residence.

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Veteran Communist leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was fond of quoting a phrase from Charles Dickens’s ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” It was a phrase he repeated at almost every public event he attended as Chief Minister for his two terms, 2001 to 2011.

At his numerous public meetings, he kept harping on one topic - jobs for the youth. “There are thousands of students who are coming out of our colleges and what will we offer them? They want work. Will they have to go out of the State?” he would ask.

The West Bengal government declared a holiday on Thursday (August 8, 2024) in honour of former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s demise.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister and veteran Communist leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passed away on Thursday at his residence in Kolkata. He was 80 years old and is survived by his wife and daughter.

The final rites will be held on Friday (August 8, 2024). His body will be taken to Alimuddin Street, the headquarters of the CPI(M), after which it would be donated for medical research as per his wishes.

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West Bengal govt declares holiday in honour of former CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s demise

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passes away at 80, honored with state holiday and ceremonial respect.

“Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee worked for the interest of the party and people for a long time. I was unable to stand after getting the news,” said CPI(M) leader Biman Bose.