Buddhadeb: Unhappy or unwell?

Kolkata: After weeks of staying away from the public glare and even skipping major meetings, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya returned to Kolkata from a four-day holiday and indicated he is back in business. But Buddhadeb refused to comment on the buzz that he is contemplating stepping down.

Arriving at a saree mela straight from a holiday in northern Bengal, Buddhadeb said that he was fine. But when asked about rumours of his resignation, he said not a word.

But speculation there has been, ever since he skipped a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on August 17. His party said he had viral fever.

Then on September 1, Ratan Tata had to be satisfied with meeting industry minister. A request for a meeting with Buddhadeb was rejected.

A few days later, Buddhadeb skipped a crucial Politburo meeting.

Again, his party said he was ill and that he had to go to an election meeting in Siliguri a couple of days later.

There were speculations that he had fallen out with Prakash Karat, that he was unhappy over his party's handling of the Vedic Village crisis, that he was unhappy because his party would let him reshuffle his cabinet.

Denials have also continued.

"Whether by intent or coincidence, Buddhadeb has a busy schedule in the next few days where his public appearance may serve to scotch the rumours," said CPM leader Sitaram Yechuri.