‘Uncle’ Buddadheb gorges on smashed potato, is fond of Sachin

KOLKATA - Harried and hassled of late by the growing clout of the opposition and bleak poll performances of his party, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee experienced a few light moments Sunday evening as he interacted with a group of children and teenagers.

From his favourite dishes to love of cricket and how he spent his leisure time, the 66-year-old chief minister seemed to relish answering a host of questions from the youngsters, some of whom called him grandpa, some others uncle.

The chief minister even listened to complaints from around 400 children who had gathered at the annual camp of the states ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-backed Kishore Bahini (Teenagers Squad) on the citys southern outskirts.

When a child told him that his school sports teacher was so busy with other works that students had little opportunity to play games, a concerned Bhattacharjee replied: This shouldnt happen. Give me the name of your school, I will look into it.

A boy from East Midnapore complained that he could not take part in games as there was no playground in his locality. Give your complaint on a piece of paper mentioning where you live. I shall talk to the officials. I shall see what I can do.

The chief minister was pleasantly surprised when a child told him that he knew thatdadubhai (grandpa) was fond of pumpkin flower fry.

How come you know that? I also relish brinjal fry and smashed potatoes, the chief minister said.

Asked about his favourite player, he said: I used to play cricket a lot. I also follow it. My favourite player is Sachin Tendulkar.”

This led to a deafening applause, while some looked sombrely at the chief minister not mentioning local boy Sourav Ganguly.

Bhattacharjee, who has been holding the chief ministers post since late 2000, said Rabindranath Tagore was his favourite litterateur. I cant think of other names, said the chief minister, known for his love for literature.

The chief minister disclosed that he liked reading books during leisure time. Of course, I get little time for myself nowadays.

When a child prodded Bhattacharjee to tell the gathering about a memorable moment during his childhood, he replied: That was my first day in school. I was so scared. But after a while I got over my worries.

But there was one query from a girl which left Bhattacharjee groping for words.

Asked why he was seen mostly at cultural programmes, and rarely in sports events, the chief minister said: I have little time.

The girl shot back: You must find time.

I will definitely remember your advice. Definitely, he said.