In a significant development that many a political critic interpreted as an attempt at collecting more and more Marxist votes in their electoral kitties senior BJP and Trinamool Congress leaders continued to make a beeline at the Woodlands Hospital in South Kolkata where former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was undergoing treatment for his acute pulmonary conditions.
Senior BJP leader and the party’s Bengal observer Kailash Vijaybargiya on Sunday visited the hospital to see the ailing former Chief Minister he was accompanied by senior party colleague and former Railway Minister Mukul Roy.
“We have spoken to the doctors and they have said that his condition is improving and he has been responding to treatment,” said Roy while Vijaybargiya praised Bhattacharjee for his classical political culture adding “we are keeping a close watch on his health.”
BJP MP Locket Chatterjee who paid a visit on Saturday evening said, “I respect him personally as he is a cultured person with refined political taste.” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and State Governor Jagdeep Dhankar also visited the hospital.
Known for his grace integrity and intellect Bhattacharjee a vastly respected politician has been suffering from coronary obstructive pulmonary disorder and had resigned from his politburo membership of the CPI(M) a few years ago. He had even stopped venturing out of his two-bed roomed flat for the past one year or so and had constantly been on oxygen support.
A senior TMC leader and Minister wondered whether the increasing presence of the BJP leaders at the hospital was an attempt to play to the Leftist gallery.
“It is unethical to make a statement like this but giving the political condition of the State and given the fact that the RSS-BJP does not move a twig without a previous planning their leaders’ concern for Buddhababu smacks of something,” the leader said.
“Considering that over 22 percent Left voters have voted for the BJP in the general elections it is not surprising that they will attempt to impress the remaining 8 per cent to switch sides...and what is more opportune a moment than to visit Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee in hospital,” said another RMC leader and MLA said reminding “it is unusual for right wing leaders to come seeing staunch Marxists.”
Meanwhile, Bhattacharjee’s health continued to improve with the veteran leader responding to treatment. “He has taken light food and his infection (pneumonia) is receding,” Doctor Fuad Halim of those comprising the medical board said.