Bengal CM calls on ailing Left leader Buddhadeb

Kolkata, Oct 16 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday visited the South Kolkata residence of her ailing predecessor and veteran CPI-M leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and wished him speedy recovery.

Banerjee went to the 73-year-old communist leader's two-room apartment on the Palm Avenue around 7 p.m. and enquired about his health. She also offered all help from the state government for his treatment.

Bhattacharjee, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fell ill at the CPI-M state headquarters Muzaffar Ahmed Bhavan on Friday. Since then, he is receiving treatment at his residence.

"He wants treatment at home. I spoke to his wife (Mira Bhattacharjee) and assured her of all help and wished him a speedy recovery," the Chief Minister said.

Banerjee remained at Bhattacharjee's apartment for around five minutes, Communist Party of India-Marxist sources said.

The sources said Bhattacharjee, who needs oxygen support from time to time, is now better.

"There is provision for oxygen support at his residence. He is under treatment, and now much better."