The Man Who Tried to Rewrite Bengal's Story: Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee

The Man Who Tried to Rewrite Bengal's Story: Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the veteran Communist leader and former Chief Minister of West Bengal, passed away on August 8, 2024, in Kolkata after a prolonged illness. He was 80 years old. Bhattacharjee, who served as Chief Minister from 2000 to 2011, was a towering figure in West Bengal's political landscape, known for his unwavering commitment to the Communist movement and his vision for a resurgent, industrialized Bengal.

Bhattacharjee’s tenure as Chief Minister was marked by his relentless efforts to transform West Bengal from an industry-starved state into one that could offer jobs and opportunities to its youth. Quoting Charles Dickens’s famous line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” from A Tale of Two Cities, Bhattacharjee often highlighted the dichotomy of hope and despair that characterized his time in office.

Born in 1944 in north Kolkata, Bhattacharjee was deeply influenced by his early involvement in the Communist movement. After graduating with a degree in Bengali (Hons) from Presidency College, he became actively involved with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most significant leaders in the state. He served as the Minister of Information and Culture in the first Left Front government in 1977, and in 2000, he succeeded Jyoti Basu as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Bhattacharjee's leadership was characterized by his strong belief in the need for industrialization, despite the challenges he faced, particularly during the land acquisition controversies in Singur and Nandigram. His steadfast belief that industry was the future of West Bengal, despite opposition and violent protests, highlighted his commitment to progress, even in the face of adversity. He famously declared, “Krishi amader Bhitti, Shipla amader Bhabishyat” (Agriculture is our core, but industry is our future), reflecting his vision for the state.

Despite his efforts, Bhattacharjee faced significant challenges, including the rise of ultra-left extremism in Jangalmahal and agitations in Darjeeling. However, he consistently advocated for political solutions over the use of force, demonstrating his belief in dialogue and negotiation.

After the Left Front lost power to Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress in 2011, Bhattacharjee remained in public life until 2016. His failing health in later years confined him to his residence on Palm Avenue, where he lived with his wife, Meera, and their daughter, Suchetana. Even in retirement, Bhattacharjee’s influence remained strong, and his legacy continued to shape the political discourse in West Bengal.

Bhattacharjee's personal and political integrity were beyond reproach, even among his critics. He was known for his simple lifestyle, choosing to live in a modest two-room government flat throughout his career. His passion for literature, particularly poetry and the works of Kafka and Marquez, added a unique dimension to his personality, making him a quintessential Bhadralok (gentleman) who was both a leader and an intellectual.

In his memoirs, Phire Dekha II (Looking Back), Bhattacharjee reflected on his time in office and the challenges he faced, often questioning where he might have gone wrong. His introspective nature and willingness to admit mistakes were rare traits in a politician, further solidifying his reputation as a leader of integrity.

Even as West Bengal finds itself in a state of political flux, Bhattacharjee’s slogan from 2016, "BJP hatao desh bachao, Trinamool hatao Bangla bachao" (Remove BJP, Save Country; Defeat Trinamool, Save Bengal), continues to resonate within the Left movement in the state. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a visionary leader and a committed Communist will endure in the annals of West Bengal’s history.