Kolkata, Aug 9 : On Friday, the CPI-M leadership announced that they would decline the offer of a gun salute for former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, which was proposed by his successor, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday.

This decision aligns with Bhattacharjee's lifelong commitment to simplicity, reflected in his modest two-bedroom apartment in South Kolkata. Party insiders revealed that his family, including his widow Mira Bhattacharjee, also oppose any ceremonial practices.

CPI-M politburo members and West Bengal Secretary Md Salim emphasized that the gun salute announcement is unrelated to the party's plans for Bhattacharjee's final journey. "Bhattacharjee embodied simplicity throughout his life, making a gun salute unnecessary," Salim stated. Notably, after leaving office in 2011, Bhattacharjee refused state government facilities entitled to him as a former Chief Minister.

A state committee member of CPI-M noted, "Luxury and extravagance were never part of Bhattacharjee's vocabulary. His family and the party wish to honor his unassuming lifestyle during his final journey." Bhattacharjee's commitment to simplicity was evident even during his hospitalizations, where he would insist on early discharge to return to his peaceful two-bedroom apartment.

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had donated his eyes and body for medical research. His mortal remains will be handed over to state government-run NRS Medical College and Hospital for research work.