Kolkata: In a significant loss to the political landscape, Basudeb Acharia, a stalwart leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M), and a nine-time Lok Sabha representative from West Bengal's Bankura constituency, breathed his last on Monday at the age of 81. The veteran leader succumbed to his prolonged illness while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad.
Born on July 11, 1942, in Purulia, West Bengal, Acharia's political journey began during his student days when he actively participated in the left movement. Over the years, he emerged as a prominent figure in various tribal movements and signature campaigns in the western region. His contributions to leftist ideologies and workers' movements, particularly in the railway sector, marked him as a leader of formidable strength.
Acharia's political legacy reached its pinnacle in 1980 when he was first elected as the Member of Parliament from Bankura. His unwavering popularity led to an impressive nine consecutive victories in the Lok Sabha elections, securing his position as a representative of the people till 2014. However, in an unexpected turn of events, he faced defeat in the 2014 polls at the hands of the Trinamool Congress candidate and renowned actress, Moon Moon Sen.
Apart from his political endeavours, Acharia actively engaged in tribal education in Bankura, a district with a significant tribal population. His commitment to the welfare of the marginalized communities was reflected in both his parliamentary work and grassroots activism. Acharia's influence extended beyond the political sphere as he played a crucial role in various trade union movements, especially within the railways.
Expressing grief at his demise, chief minister Mamata Banerjee wrote on her ‘X’ handle, "Saddened at the demise of the veteran Left leader and former MP Basudeb Acharia. He was a trade union leader and Parliamentarian of formidable strength, and his departure will cause a significant loss in public life. Condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues."
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Saddened at the demise of the veteran Left leader and former MP Basudeb Acharia.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 13, 2023 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
He was a trade union leader and Parliamentarian of formidable strength and his departure will cause significant loss in public life.
Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
">Saddened at the demise of the veteran Left leader and former MP Basudeb Acharia.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 13, 2023
He was a trade union leader and Parliamentarian of formidable strength and his departure will cause significant loss in public life.
Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.Saddened at the demise of the veteran Left leader and former MP Basudeb Acharia.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 13, 2023
He was a trade union leader and Parliamentarian of formidable strength and his departure will cause significant loss in public life.
Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Despite facing adversity, Acharia remained steadfast in his political commitments. In the 2018 elections for the three-tier panchayat system in West Bengal, he was reportedly attacked by Trinamool Congress activists while leading a procession of CPI(M) workers in Purulia. The incident left him severely injured, highlighting the intensity of political rivalries in the state.
As the news of Acharia's demise spreads, his daughter, currently abroad, is expected to arrive in Hyderabad tomorrow to perform the final rituals. The void left by his passing will undoubtedly be felt not only within the CPI(M) but also across the political spectrum in West Bengal.
