Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Former W.B Chief Minister, Passes Away

Former chief minister of West Bengal and veteran CPIM leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passed away on August 8, at his residence in Kolkata’s Palm Avenue. Buddhadeb, who had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for some years, was 80. He is survived by his wife Mira and daughter Suchetana.

Who was Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee

An alumnus of Presidency College, Kolkata, Mr Bhattacharjee was a school teacher before he joined politics full-time. After serving as an MLA and a state minister, he was elevated to Deputy Chief Minister before Mr Basu stepped down in 2000. As Chief Minister, he led the CPM to Assembly poll victories in 2001 and 2006.

Known for his simple lifestyle

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was known for his simple lifestyle, Mr Bhattacharjee breathed his last at the two-bedroom flat at Palm Avenue from where he once ran the state. His organs will be donated for medical research as per his wishes. His body will be kept in the CPM headquarters for his followers to pay respects and the last journey will take place tomorrow.

His tenure of C.M

It was in 2000 that he was made the chief minister when Jyoti Basu, the then longest serving chief minister in the country stepped down due to his health. As CM, he led the Left Front to consecutive victories in the assembly polls in 2001 and 2006.

Open policy towards business

During Mr Bhattacharjee’s tenure, the Left Front government adopted a relatively open policy towards business as compared to the Jyoti Basu regime. Ironically, it was this policy and land acquisitions related to industrialisation that paved the way for the Left’s stunning defeat in the 2011 election.

Reformist among the Left

He was known as a reformist among the Left, especially for trying to bring in industrialisation to the state. He was behind setting up of a Tata Nano plant in Singur and planning a special economic zone in Nandigram, and it was during his regime that Bengal saw investments in sectors of IT and IT enabled services.

 

trilok

Recent Posts

Sea Vigil 24 Culminates A Step Towards Coastal Resilience

The fourth edition of the Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise, Sea Vigil 24, concluded successfully on…

41 seconds ago

Important Days in November 2024, List of National and International

November, the eleventh or second last month of the year, brings a variety of important…

12 mins ago

Today Top 10 Current Affairs 23rd November 2024 Questions and Answers

The Daily Current Affairs Quiz which keeps you updated with the current events happening all…

2 hours ago

IPL 2025 Schedule: BCCI Announces IPL Schedules for 2025, 2026, and 2027 Seasons

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a bold and significant…

16 hours ago

Which District of Madhya Pradesh is Famous for Rang Panchami Festival?

Madhya Pradesh, a state rich in culture and traditions, celebrates many colorful festivals. One of…

16 hours ago

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar For 2022 and 2023

The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (UBKUP) is a prestigious award instituted by the Sangeet…

16 hours ago