Banerjee later announced that she told the family members of the former CM that if they want the government can arrange for the mortal remains of Bhattacharjee to be kept at Rabindra Sadan or the Nandan complex for the public to pay homage.

“Those places are larger and many people are eager to pay tribute to their leader, they will be able to do it,” she said, adding that the state government will give a gun salute during the last journey of Bhattacharjee. Banerjee also announced a government holiday in the state on Thursday.

“We will give all the respect and support on behalf of the state government in his last journey. According to his party’s decision, wherever they want to take him for his last rites… it is the state government’s responsibility to take proper care of him.”

Banerjee further assigned two cabinet ministers Aroop Biswas and Firhad Hakim to oversee the preparations for Bhattacharjee’s last journey on behalf of the state government.

Recalling her memories of Bhattacharjee, the chief minister said, “I have many memories of him. When he was ill, I came here to meet him. We talked about many subjects then. His wife was very cordial. We may have political differences but our personal relations remain unaffected…”

Notably, Bhattacharjee used to frequent both Nandan and Rabindra Sadan regularly during his chief ministership. He was Bengal chief minister from November 6, 2000, to May 13, 2011.

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