Former Chief Minister of Indian State of West Bengal and veteran CPM leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharya passed away on Thursday morning. He was 80.
Buddhadeb’s son Sucheton Bhattacharya confirmed his father’s death.
He said his father fell ill after having breakfast in the morning. He died at 8:20 am at his home on Palm Avenue.
Buddhadeb was the second and last Chief Minister of West Bengal during the 34-year Left Front rule. He served as the Chief Minister of the state for 11 consecutive years, from 2000 to 2011.
He had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for a long time.
On Wednesday night, Buddhadeb’s breathing problems became severe. It was decided that doctors at Woodlands Hospital would examine him by 11 am on Thursday and admit him to the hospital, if necessary. Sources said his condition deteriorated again in the morning, and he breathed his last before he could be hospitalised.
Buddhadeb was a member of the CPM's top decision-making body, Politburo. Known for his simple lifestyle, he breathed his last at the two-bedroom flat from where he once ran the state. His organs will be donated for medical research as per his wishes.