By IANS,
Kolkata: Common people in West Bengal in general were jubilant Friday over the landslide victory of Trinamool Congress-Congress alliance in the assembly polls as the state is all set for a change of government after 34 years.
Thousands of jubilant people gathered in front of the house of Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee Friday morning after it became clear that the party will sweep the polls.
Many supporters smeared each other with green gulal, some blew conch shells and some others broke down in tears of happiness while yet others celebrated by beating drums.
The city was almost covered with the flags and festoons of the Trinamool Congress.
“This was expected. I am very happy because the state politics was stagnant for the last 34 years… a change was required for democracy. I think the alliance will bring a new life in the next government,” said Prantik Bhattacharjee, a state government officer.
“I think even the cadres of the Left Front knew that the change was coming. They had been working for the Front this time out of fear and compulsions. We have seen the Left rule for a very long time, we desperately wanted to see what is the opposite of it,” he added.
Many people had skipped office and remained glued to television sets. Corporate offices also had “no work” day.
In the evening, residential houses close to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee’s house were illuminated by green lights.
Many building in the city were seen decorated with green bulbs.
Ajay Kumar Chakraborty, a government school teacher, said: “I am definitely happy as a Mamata Banerjee-led government will come to power. This is the victory of the people because in a democracy only people have the power to change a government.”
Many schools had declared a full-day or half-day holiday Friday for security reasons.
Rini Chatterjee, a housewife, said: “Since my birth I have been watching the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leading governments in West Bengal. I wanted a change. I am excited that a Trinamool Congress-led government will come to the power.”
Basudev Bhui, a social worker, said he has “apprehensions after the Trinamool Congress-Congress victory”.
“The victory came because the Trinamool Congress got the negative votes from people who were not satisfied with the Left Front rule. The Trinamool has to take a lot of responsibility after coming to the power. Whether Mamata Banerjee can meet the huge expectations of the masses remains to be seen,” Bhui said.
Sudipta Chakraborty, a public sector employee, said he was expecting a change.
“I am excited to see that many of the Left Front ministers were defeated. The people have expressed their dissatisfaction over them. The Election Commission ensured free and fair polls,” he said.
For Laxmi, a maid servant, “Mamata is one of us”.
“She has said there is change every where, but not in Bengal. She is right. If we don’t bring in that change, then how will our condition change for the better,” Laxmi asked.