Born on March 1, 1944, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya hails from a Bengali Brahmin family in Kolkata. His early education laid the foundation for his political journey.
Bhattacharya attended Presidency College, Kolkata, where he studied Bengali literature. His academic background deeply influenced his political and literary pursuits.
Joining the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the 1960s, Bhattacharya began his political career, focusing on grassroots movements and workers' rights.
A patron of arts and culture, Bhattacharya supported numerous cultural initiatives and promoted Bengali literature and theater during his tenure.
Bhattacharya became the Chief Minister of West Bengal in 2000, succeeding Jyoti Basu. His leadership marked a new era in the state's politics.
He introduced significant economic reforms, aiming to modernize West Bengal’s industrial landscape and attract investment, despite facing opposition.
Bhattacharya prioritized education, enhancing infrastructure, and introducing policies to improve literacy rates and educational access in rural areas.
Bhattacharya faced criticism over handling the Nandigram and Singur land acquisition issues, which led to widespread protests and political challenges.
Apart from politics, Bhattacharya is a celebrated author and poet, contributing significantly to Bengali literature with his thoughtful writings.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya passed away on Thursday morning at his Kolkata residence. His demise marks the end of an era in Bengal politics.