Nepaldeb Bhattacharya Passes Away: A Tribute to a Life of Dedication
Kolkata, May 13, 2025 — Nepaldeb Bhattacharya, a stalwart of West Bengal’s Leftist politics, a former Rajya Sabha MP, and a revered trade union leader, passed away early this morning at 1:25 AM. He was 69 years old and had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness at Medica Hospital. His demise marks the end of an era for the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the broader trade union movement in the state.
A Political Career Rooted in Commitment
Nepaldeb Bhattacharya’s political journey was deeply intertwined with the history of the Left movement in West Bengal. As a member of the CPI(M), Bhattacharya served in the Rajya Sabha from 1981 to 1988, representing the state during a critical period when the Left Front held sway in Bengal’s political landscape. His tenure in the upper house of Parliament was marked by his advocacy for labor rights, social justice, and policies aimed at uplifting the marginalized.
Bhattacharya’s leadership extended beyond the legislative arena. He was the president of the North 24 Parganas district CITU, the trade union wing of the CPI(M), where he championed the cause of workers across various sectors. His association with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) in his early years, where he succeeded Subhas Chakraborty as General Secretary, underscored his lifelong commitment to mobilizing youth for progressive change.
A Multifaceted Life
Apart from politics, Bhattacharya made notable contributions to Bengali cinema. His directorial venture Chaka (2000), featuring Mithun Chakraborty and Debashree Roy, remains a significant cultural achievement, reflecting his artistic sensibilities and social concerns.
Despite his diverse pursuits, Bhattacharya stayed rooted in his ideals, often articulating the struggles and aspirations of the working class. His humility and accessibility endeared him to colleagues and constituents alike.
The Final Journey
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, reflecting the respect he commanded. To honor his legacy, a detailed schedule has been planned for his final journey, allowing supporters, comrades, and well-wishers to pay their last respects:
- 10:00 AM: His body will be taken from Medica Hospital to the CITU State Office, Shramik Bhavan. From there, it will proceed to the SFI State Office, Dinesh Majumdar Bhavan, and later to his residence at "Belgharia Villa" in Duttabagan Milk Colony.
- 12:00 PM: The procession will move to the CPI(M) North 24 Parganas District Office in Barasat, where party members and the public will offer their tributes.
- 1:00 PM: The body will be brought to the CITU North 24 Parganas District Office in Barrackpore. The journey will conclude at his ancestral home and first political workplace in Bhatpara.
The cremation will take place at the Bhatpara crematorium, where leaders, family, and supporters will bid him a final farewell.
Legacy and Tributes
Comrade Nepaldeb Bhattacharya’s passing leaves a void in the political and cultural fabric of West Bengal. His life’s work—spanning politics, trade unionism, and art—serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the ideals of equality and justice.
The CPI(M) described Bhattacharya as “an exemplary leader whose life was dedicated to the struggles of the working class and the youth.” Several political leaders, including those from rival parties, have expressed their condolences, acknowledging his contributions to the state and its people.
A Call to Continue the Struggle
Bhattacharya’s legacy lives on in the movements he inspired and the causes he championed. His life serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity. As West Bengal and the Left movement bid goodbye to one of its stalwarts, the call to carry forward his mission resonates louder than ever.
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