Friday, 25 April 2025
Friday, 25 April 2025
In a moving tribute, thousands gathered at the CPI(M) headquarters in Calcutta to bid farewell to Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the former West Bengal chief minister whose impact on the state was profound.
The mourners, a mix of CPI(M) loyalists and those drawn by his reputation for simplicity and integrity, filled the space with banners and placards bearing his image. Bhattacharjee, who lived a spartan life in a modest government flat on Palm Avenue, passed away on August 8 at the age of 80.
Bhattacharjee, celebrated for his 'Pragmatic Communism,' sought to transform the traditional Marxist approach in Bengal. His vision aimed to reconcile communist ideals with practical governance, a balance that both garnered admiration and sparked controversy.
Despite his declining health in recent years, he remained a revered figure, known for his efforts to industrialise Bengal—a pursuit that, while well-intentioned, ultimately contributed to the downfall of the Left Front government after 34 years in power, amid fierce anti-land acquisition protests.
The ceremony saw tributes from prominent figures, including TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Calcutta Mayor Firhad Hakim, and Agriculture Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, who all paid floral respects. Bhattacharjee's family, including his wife Meera and son Suchetan, stood solemnly beside his mortal remains, which were encased in a glass coffin draped with the party’s red flag.
The CPI(M) mourned Bhattacharjee's passing as the end of a significant chapter in West Bengal's communist movement. "His death marks the conclusion of a crucial phase in the Left movement of our state," the party stated, offering revolutionary homage and deep condolences to his family. Bhattacharjee’s legacy remains a testament to his attempt to adapt and modernise Marxism in Bengal, leaving behind a complex but enduring imprint on the region’s political narrative.
