Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal and a prominent figure in Indian Left politics, passed away at 80 after a long illness. Renowned for his attempts to modernize the state through industrialization, Bhattacharjee's tenure was marked by significant initiatives, including the controversial Tata Nano project in Singur, which sparked widespread protests and ultimately contributed to the fall of the CPI(M) in 2011. He succeeded Jyoti Basu in 2000 and led the Left Front to substantial victories in the early 2000s, but his administration faced increasing challenges that culminated in a historic defeat to Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress. Despite his reformist image, he was often criticized for his approach, which some labeled as 'capitalist communism'. His passing marks the end of an era for the CPI(M) in West Bengal, as he was the last Left chief minister of the state. Bhattacharjee's legacy, reflective of both ambition and controversy, will continue to shape discussions on the region's political landscape.