Kolkata/IBNS: Several Tollywood personalities have mourned the demise of former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, who passed away at the age of 80 following prolonged illness on Thursday.

Bengali film superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee posted on X, "A true gentleman and a talented person has passed away...may he rest in peace..My sincere condolences to the family of Buddha Babu."

Senior actress Rituparna Sengupta said in a voice note, "It's very sad news. He was a giant. I remember him along with then Chief Minister Jyoti Basu coming to my wedding.

"People like him are rare. Their ideologies, sacrifices have always enlightened our society."

"A True Gentleman. A true Leader. Rest in peace Sir," said leading superstar Dev.

Jeet posted on X, "Rest in peace sir. Om Shanti!"

Bhattacharjee reportedly passed away at his South Kolkata residence at 8:20 am. He is survived by his wife Meera Bhattacharjee and son Suchetan.

The former Chief Minister, who was suffering from pancreas related health issues, was admitted to hospital in July 2023 with lower respiratory tract infection and Type II respiratory failure.

The CPI-M stalwart remained the Chief Minister from 2000 to 2011.

Brief about his political journey

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was known for his unconventional stance towards the policies, economy in contrast to the Left's ideas.

Under his tenure, Bhattacharjee was proactive in attracting investments besides maintaining the agricultural base of West Bengal, which lacked industries for decades of Left rule marred by militant trade unionism.

However, his bid to attract investments was met with stiff resistance from local people and then opposition parties after Tata went to build a car factory in Singur.

Singur witnessed protests which were led by then opposition leader and now Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress.

Besides Singur, Bhattacharjee's aim to build a chemical hub in Nandigram too faced hurdles in 2007. After police firing killed 14 protesters, the CPI-M government came under massive criticism from all corners.

The under-fire Bhattacharjee government eventually collapsed in the 2011 assembly elections with the 34-year Left rule being brought to an end by Mamata Banerjee's TMC.