Former Chief Minister of West Bengal and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passed away at the age of eighty on August 8 morning in Kolkata. Bhattacharjee was suffering from battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for an extended period.
Bhattacharjee’s tenure, though marked by significant economic strides, was also marred by controversies and allegations of authoritarianism. His approach to handling dissent was criticized, particularly during the Nandigram and Singur incidents.
In 2007, the violent clash in Nandigram arose from the government’s attempt to acquire land for a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which led to widespread protests by local farmers. The conflict resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, severely impacting Bhattacharjee’s reputation and drawing national criticism.
In Singur, the 2006 announcement of the Tata Nano factory faced backlash due to the land’s vital role in local agriculture. The acquisition, carried out under the colonial-era Land Acquisition Act of 1894, was controversial for its outdated provisions and inadequate compensation for farmers. Protests intensified when police firing on March 14, 2007, resulted in the deaths of at least 14 villagers, exacerbating tensions and leading to prolonged agitation.
The Bhumi Uchched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), supported by opposition parties like TMC, spearheaded the resistance against the land acquisition in Nandigram. The situation worsened with reports of CPI(M) supporters being driven out and their properties being burned. On October 3, 2008, Tata Motors announced its decision to withdraw from Singur due to the untenable situation caused by the protests and political opposition.
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee served as the chief minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011. He was the second and last CPI (M) leader who served as the CM of West Bengal, succeeding Jyoti Basu.
Further, he quickly gained recognition for promoting rapid industrialization in the state. Mentored by Pramod Dasgupta, Bhattacharya’s progressive approach to business contrasted with the CPI(M)’s traditionally anti-capitalist stance. During his tenure, he led efforts to attract investment and create jobs, notably securing high-profile projects like the Tata Nano in Singur, aiming to boost West Bengal’s IT and services sectors.
In 2011 assembly polls, Bhattacharjee-led CPI (M) lost to Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which ended a 34-year communist rule in West Bengal.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, in her condolence message on X, said, “Shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Chief Minister Sri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. I have known him for last several decades and visited him a few times when he was ill and effectively confined to home in the last few years. My very sincere condolences to Meeradi and Suchetan at this hour of grief.”
Shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Chief Minister Sri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. I have been knowing him for last several decades, and visited him a few times when he was ill and effectively confined to home in the last few years.
My very sincere condolences…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 8, 2024
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge offered his condolences on X. “My deepest condolences on the passing away of Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. He served the people in a political career spanning more than five decades.” Mallikarjun Kharge said.
West Bengal Leader of Opposition, BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari said, “I am deeply saddened to learn that former West Bengal Chief Minister; Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has left for his heavenly abode. Condolences to his family members and admirers. I pray that his soul finds eternal peace.”
I am deeply saddened to learn that former West Bengal Chief Minister; Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has left for his heavenly abode.
Condolences to his family members and admirers.
I pray that his soul finds eternal peace.
Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/312uZBGFCV— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) August 8, 2024
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, A stalwart in public service, his extensive experience of over 5 decades as an MLA, Minister and later as Chief Minister has left an indelible mark. His simplicity, rich contributions to Bengali literature and commitment to community service were noteworthy.”
I am deeply pained by the passing away of the Former Chief Minister of West Bengal Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. A stalwart in public service, his extensive experience of over 5 decades as an MLA, Minister and later as Chief Minister has left an indelible mark. His simplicity,… pic.twitter.com/FW2zTZiNYl
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 8, 2024
CPI (M) West Bengal State Secretary Md Salim said, “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. “As a good administrator, honest person, aggressive secular and such a leader, losing him is a loss for all of us.” Md Salim further added.
