Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, passed away on Thursday morning (August 8, 2024) at his residence in Kolkata after a long illness.

He was 80 years old and is survived by his wife Mira and daughter Suchetana.

Bhattacharjee, a veteran CPI(M) leader, took over as the Chief Minister of West Bengal in 2000 from party senior Jyoti Basu.

He lost the 2011 Assembly election to Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, ending the CPI(M)-led Left Front’s 34-year-long rule in the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and sadness at the sudden demise of Bhattacharjee and extended her sincere condolences to his family.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and Leader of Opposition in Tripura Assembly Jitendra Chaudhury also condoled Bhattacharjee's death, expressing their deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

Several prominent figures, including director Goutam Ghosh, actor Rituparna Sengupta, filmmaker Kamaleswar Mukherjee, actor Srilekha Mitra, and filmmaker Anik Dutta, shared their memories and paid tribute to Bhattacharjee, highlighting his contributions to the state's industrial progress and cultural development.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.

K.

Stalin, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed their condolences, acknowledging Bhattacharjee's lasting legacy in Indian politics and public service.

The West Bengal government declared a holiday on Thursday (August 8, 2024) in honor of Bhattacharjee's demise.

His body, wrapped in the CPI(M)'s red flag, was taken from his residence to the mortuary Peace World.

The mortal remains will be handed over to the state government-run NRS Medical College and Hospital on Friday (August 9, 2024) for research work, as per his wishes.

The final rites will be held on the same day, with his body being taken to Alimuddin Street, the headquarters of the CPI(M), where leaders and the public will be able to pay their last respects.

Bhattacharjee's leadership and commitment to the people will continue to inspire future generations.

His contributions to the development of cultural institutions and sustaining progressive cultural values have left a lasting impact.