Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Biography Info

Who is Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was an Indian communist politician and a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of India, who served as the 7th Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011. In a political career over 5 decades, he became one of the senior leaders of Communist Party of India during his regime.

Born: 1 March 1944, Kolkata

Died: 8 August 2024 (age 80 years), Kolkata

Previous offices: Chief Minister of West Bengal (2000–2011), MORE

Party: Communist Party of India (Marxist)

Spouse: Meera Bhattacharya

Children: Suchetana Bhattacharya

Education: University of Calcutta, Presidency University, Sailendra Sircar Vidyalaya

Death

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passed away on August 8, 2024 in Kolkata following an extended battle with pulmonary issues.

Early life

Bhattacharjee was born on 1 March 1944 in North Kolkata to a Bengali Brahmin family. His grandfather Krishnachandra Smrititirtha, who came from Madaripur District in present-day Bangladesh, was a Sanskrit scholar, priest, and a prolific writer. He authored a priestly manual called Purohit Darpan, which remains popular among Bengali Hindu priests in West Bengal. Bhattacharjee’s father Nepalchandra did not pursue priesthood but was involved in the family publication, Saraswat Library, which focused on selling Hindu religious material. Poet Sukanta Bhattacharya was his father’s cousin. Bhattacharjee attended Sailendra Sircar Vidyalaya and studied Bengali literature at Presidency College, Kolkata, where he earned his B.A. degree in Bengali (Honors). He later became a teacher at Adarsh Shankha Vidya Mandir school in Dum Dum.

Personal life

He was wedded to Meera Bhattacharjee, and they have a son named Suchetan Bhattacharjee (previously known as Suchetana Bhattacharjee). Residing in a two-room apartment in Ballygunge, Kolkata, the family has lived there for years. Operating as Chief Minister, he stayed in the same two-room apartment. Bhattacharya is famous for his modest way of living. Despite coming from a family of priests, Bhattacharjee was a declared atheist, aligning with communist beliefs.

Early Political Career

He became a primary member of the CPI(M) in 1966 and was actively involved in the food movement. In 1968, he backed Vietnam’s cause. That same year, he was chosen as the state secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation, the youth section of the CPI(M) which eventually combined with the Democratic Youth Federation of India. He held this role until 1981, when Boren Basu took over. Pramod Dasgupta provided guidance and support to him.

Political Career

Bhattacharjee joined CPI(M) state committee in 1972 and state secretariat in 1982. Initially an MLA in Kashipur-Belgachia from 1977 to 1982. Served as Minister of Information and Public Relations in West Bengal Cabinet during 1977-1982. In 1984, he became a permanent invitee to CPI(M) central committee and a member in 1985. Elected as MLA of Jadavpur in 1987 until 2011. Re-inducted as a minister in 1987 for Information and Cultural Affairs, also overseeing Urban Development and Municipal Affairs.

He joined the cabinet in 1991 and left in 1993 due to disagreements. He returned a few months later. In 1996, he took over home and police duties after elections. In 1999, he became Deputy Chief Minister. On November 6, 2000, he became Chief Minister. In 2002, he joined CPI(M)’s politburo.

Chief Minister of West Bengal

Bhattacharjee became the Chief Minister of West Bengal and was inaugurated in a formal ceremony at Raj Bhawan. During his tenure, the CPI(M)-led Left Front achieved consecutive election victories in 2001 and 2006, securing 199 out of 294 assembly seats in 2001 and increasing to 235 out of 294 seats in 2006. His time as Chief Minister was marked by significant incidents of violence such as the Chhoto Angaria massacre, the Netai killings, and the Dhantala case. Additionally, there was a rise in Maoist attacks in the state, including the attack on a police camp at Silda, violence in Lalgarh, and the Jnaneswari Express train derailment. Bhattacharjee initiated an industrialization campaign in West Bengal to attract more investment and job opportunities to the state, leading to investments in the IT and services sectors.

Later life

Despite his request to be relieved from party duties, Bhattacharjee stayed in top party roles until 2015. After stepping down due to poor health in 2018, he served as a special member till 2019. In that year, at a big rally in Kolkata, he couldn’t go on stage due to breathing issues.

Net Worth

As we have already mentioned, the current net worth of Buddhadeb is estimated to be approximately Rs 10 Crore.

Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Net Worth Overview