West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday paid homage to her predecessor, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who passed away earlier that morning. Bhattacharjee, a prominent figure in the state's political landscape, served as Chief Minister from 2000 to 2011, leading the CPI(M)-led Left Front government.
After visiting Bhattacharjee's residence in South Kolkata, Banerjee announced that the state government had declared a holiday to mourn the loss. "He will remain in the hearts of the people... His work will be remembered," she said, addressing the media outside the late leader's home.
Despite their political differences, Banerjee acknowledged Bhattacharjee's contributions to the state. She emphasized that a person's legacy is shaped by their work, noting that his passing marked a significant loss for West Bengal.
Banerjee also shared her conversation with Bhattacharjee's wife, Mira, who recounted that her husband had complained of breathlessness after breakfast, leading to his untimely demise. Offering her condolences, Banerjee expressed sympathy for Mira, their child Suchetan, the CPI(M), the Left Front, and the broader community mourning his loss.
The Trinamool Congress leader had visited Bhattacharjee several times during his illness, reflecting the deep respect she held for him despite their divergent political paths.
Left Front chairman Biman Bose, CPI(M) state secretary Mohd Salim, and other party leaders also visited Bhattacharjee's residence, where party workers and locals gathered to pay their last respects to the veteran leader.
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