Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who will be remembered both for his commitment to the communist ideology and a pragmatic approach to industrialising the state, passed away at the age of 80 at his residence in Kolkata .

Bhattacharjee, a stalwart of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, was known for his efforts to bring industrialisation to the state, an endeavour that, despite his best intentions, eventually led to the downfall of the Left Front government after 34 years of continuous rule.

Bhattacharjee is survived by wife Mira and daughter Suchetana.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who succeeded Bhattacharjee after the 2011 elections, also paid her respects, highlighting the former chief minister’s contributions to the state.

“He will be remembered for his work,” she said, recalling her visits to him during his illness.

Bhattacharya, known for leading a spartan life, died at 8.30 am at his two-room government flat on Palm Avenue, where he resided both during his tenure as chief minister and beyond.

Bhattacharjee’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge

கொல்கொத்தாவில் சோகம்...பிச்சை எடுத்து வாழும் மேற்கு வங்க முன்னாள் முதல்வரின் மைத்துனி