Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, former West Bengal Chief Minister, passes away at 80

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, aged 80, passed away due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, leaving behind his wife and daughter. Bhattacharjee led the CPI(M)-led Left Front to electoral victories in 2001 and 2006. He was known for his attempts to industrialise the state despite facing setbacks over land acquisition issues. With a political career spanning over five decades, he held various key positions in the West Bengal cabinet.