Thiruvanananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolence on demise of veteran CPI(M) leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who passed away Thursday morning 8:20 am at his residence in Kolkata after prolonged illnesses.
Chief Minister’s Condolence Message
“It is with a heavy heart that I learn of the passing of our dear Com. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. I have had the privilege of serving alongside him in the Central Committee and the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M). His departure spells a deep personal loss to me.
Right from the days of his youth, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee showed exemplary organising skills and leadership quality. During the semi-fascist authoritarian reign of terror in West Bengal in 1970s, he went to great lengths to protect our party and party workers.
He stood by the have-nots with undeterred determination in their fights for democratic rights, braving the brutal repression of authorities. As MLA, he was a true people's representative and as Minister, he proved his mettle as an exemplary administrator. While holding the portfolio of Culture, he used every opportunity to widen the cultural perspectives of West Bengal to new vistas and to rekindle the renaissance values in the hearts of younger generations.
As Chief Minister, he laid out clear plans for the industrialisation of West Bengal which would result in sustainable and lasting progress. For his dedication, he endured false campaigns and fake propaganda aimed to discredit the Left Front Government and weakening of our party. Even a series of violent attacks were played out, But Buddhadeb remained undeterred. All through those turbulent times, he steered the rank and file of the government and the party forward.
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s dedication to democracy and secularism was marked in all his actions. During tumultuous times, his commitment and dedication to the people of West Bengal crossed all bounds. Throughout, he lived a very frugal life, serving to be a role model for those in public life and for us fellow communists.
When the Government of India chose to bestow upon him the Padma Bhushan, he forthrightly declined it. It was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the ideal held by the Communist Party, that our life is meant for service to the people, the humanity and not for recognitions or accolades.
In this time of great grief, our thoughts are with all those in mourning, especially his family and, the members and supporters of the CPI(M) in West Bengal. May his memories inspire us with added strength to carry forward the fight to bolster democracy, protect secularism and realise socialism.
On behalf of the Government of Kerala and on my personal behalf, I extend condolences to family of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and his loved ones.”
