‘Revolutions Don’t Happen On Social Media’: Buddhadeb Bhattacharya’s Son Suchetan’s Message To the Left

News india ‘Revolutions Don’t Happen On Social Media’: Buddhadeb Bhattacharya’s Son Suche¬tan’s Message To the Left

Last Updated:November 01, 2026, 16:59 IST

In an exclusive interview with News18, Suche¬tan, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya’s son, speaks about his father’s disillusionment with the CPI(M) and the pressure of being ex-CM’s son

“If you think revolutions can happen only on social media, that will not help. You have to work on the ground," this is Suchetan Bhattacharya’s message to the Left, particularly the CPI(M), in an exclusive interview with News18.

The son of former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, Suche¬tan has largely stayed away from electoral politics and the public spotlight. Unlike many political families where the next generation enters active politics, he has chosen an independent professional and personal path.

In a candid conversation with News18, he spoke at length about his relationship with his father, his association with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), his differences with the Left organisation and what he believes was the treatment meted out to his father by members of his own party.

He also spoke about the pressure of being the son of a Chief Minister, his professional association with former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen, and the need for industrialisation in Bengal.

Here are the edited excerpts from the interview.

Being the son of a Chief Minister: Is it an advantage or a disadvantage, particularly when political families and their next generations are often in the spotlight?

Being the son of a Chief Minister comes with its own pressure. I have been heckled on several occasions, and I have also reacted very strongly. We used to organise a film festival called Aranyak. After the change of government, some Trinamool Congress leaders and ministers started describing it as an NGO. It was evident that they had not done adequate research before making those remarks. I issued a statement and challenged them to investigate the matter. They could not take the issue any further.

Many people use their family connections to advance their careers. Why did you choose not to do so?

I was never ambitious in that sense. My father and I had an understanding that we could always agree to disagree. I joined SFI politics when I was studying at Presidency College. I eventually left the organisation while my father was still the Chief Minister. I studied Political Science, but I did not secure the marks required to pursue an MA. I did not seek any special consideration, even though my father was the Chief Minister at the time.

Did you notice a change in people after the 2011 change of government, when your father’s party lost power?

Yes, there was a change. I would particularly like to mention Indranil Sen, the former Information and Cultural Affairs Minister in the Mamata Banerjee government, who is now in jail. I am happy that he has been arrested. A senior journalist once told me that Indranil Sen was setting up a company called Prime Music and that I could work there. I joined the company and received a salary of Rs 12,000. However, his behaviour changed after 2011. I decided to resign in 2013. What shocked me was that he did not even provide an acknowledgement of my resignation letter. That is how things changed. He is dangerous.

Why did you leave SFI?

I am an individualistic person. More importantly, SFI leaders used to dictate what one should read and what one should not read. They also wanted to dictate whom I should interact with. I could not accept that approach, so I decided to leave. My father never said anything on this The CPI(M) seems to have a mindset that because I am Buddhadeb Bhattacharya’s son, I must automatically follow the party’s organisational rules and constitution. I do vote for the CPI(M), but I am an independent individual. I have achieved everything on my own merit. I do not want to comment on whether the Left will make a comeback.

How do you view the current political situation in Bengal, particularly the allegations of corruption and the debate around political dynasties?

I find it amusing when I think about who is rising to the top in politics. I studied Political Science in college, but I eventually realised that politics and Political Science are not for me.

The state government has decided to provide jobs to the families of those killed in political violence over the past 25 years. How do you view the decision?

I welcome the decision. If the government provides jobs to the families of victims irrespective of their political affiliations, I will welcome it. If the government fulfils its constitutional responsibilities and performs its duty without political discrimination, that is a positive step.

You have expressed strong views about Indranil Sen. What was your relationship with him, and was he close to your father?

I knew Indranil Sen through my professional association with him. I use to work in his organisation and get 12000 per month . I resigned in 2013 , but he was so mean that he did not receive my resignation letter . After my father’s death, I had specifically asked that Indranil Sen not be allowed inside. I did not want him anywhere near my father. To suggest that Indranil Sen was close to Buddhadeb Bhattacharya is insulting. My father never gave him that kind of importance.

Bengal appears to have fallen behind industrially. Do you believe your father’s industrialisation agenda remained unfulfilled?

Yes. My father wanted to bring industries to Bengal. He was hurt by people within his own party. He would have been happy if industrialisation had taken place in Singur. If any government succeeds in bringing industries to Bengal, I will welcome it. I feel West Bengal has gone back by 50 years.

What would you like to tell the present Chief Minister?

I am a very small person. How can I advise the Chief Minister? But I would certainly want West Bengal to move forward. The state must make progress in education, healthcare, culture and industry. I will be happy if industrialisation takes place in Bengal. I also welcome the decision to provide jobs to the families of political violence victims irrespective of their political affiliations.

What is your message to the present CPI(M) leadership and organisation?

You cannot bring about a revolution by limiting yourself to social media. If you only do politics on social media, it will not help. You have to work on the ground.

About the Author

Manjiri Joshi

At the news desk for 20 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci...Read More

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