'People of Bengal got the change they deserve'

History is being rewritten in West Bengal. The 34-year-old Left Front regime is coming to an end.

Trinamool Congress-Congress alliance has swept the assembly elections in the state with Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress gaining majority on its own without its ally, Congress.

It was celebration time at Banerjee's south Kolkata residence.

And thousands of supporters, media people, commoners were craning their necks to get a glimpse of the woman of the moment.

And she did not disappoint them.

We present here her first reaction:

"We thank the people with all humbleness. This victory belongs to Ma, Mati, Manush (Mother, Motherland and People).

"This victory will usher in joy in Bengal. It's a moment of happiness. Let's all remember the martyrs who laid down their lives for the last three decades. We salute them.

"It is the victory of the democracy, victory of the people, victory of Ma, Mati, Manush.  I dedicate this victory to the people, our motherland.

"We thank one and all. It is the people's verdict.

Read on to know what other political leaders had to say. .

Reportage: Indrani Roy Mitra

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Biman Bose: Communist Party of India-Marxist

"We accept the people's verdict. We will play a constructive role in the Opposition bench.

"We appeal to the people of Bengal to maintain peace and order.

"We will continue to work for the welfare of the people."

. . .

Tathagata Roy: Bharatiya Janata Party

"The Left Front's audacity led to its ruin. The attitude that party is over and above everything is illogical.

"This stance created a huge gap between the party and the people.

"For the first time, the people of Bengal saw in Mamata Banerjee a viable force to oppose the Front.

"Political equation of Bengal has changed. We will keep a watch on the road ahead."

Mohammed Salim: CPI-M

"We accept the defeat with all humbleness.

"People have cast their votes against us.

"We will pick up the threads from here and will strategise for future.

"We hope people of Bengal see less of political drama and gimmicks now that Trinamool Congress has won.

"We will continue to work for the people of Bengal.

Krishnendu Narayan Chowdhury: Congress MLA (he won from English Bazar)

"It's a win for the people. I am overwhelmed. Now, the people of Bengal will see what Congress can do to better the lives of the people.

"Full credit goes to Mamata Banerjee for realigning the political map of the state.

"Soon, we will formulate an agenda for growth and development of Bengal. With the assistance of the people, we are sure to make solid inroads."

"You just made history, my son," Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told son Abhijit soon after he defeated his Forward Bloc rival Dipak Chatterjee from Nalhati in Birbhum by more than 15,000 votes.

"Congress won from the Nalhati constituency in 1962 last and its tenure came to an end in 1967. After that, the constituency has always been a Left Front stronghold," Mukherjee told rediff.com on Friday afternoon.

"I am happy and proud. The win could not have been possible without the hard work put in by thousands of Congress workers. I owe every bit of this win to them," he said.

"I gave up a cushy corporate job at the Steel Authority of India Limited and plunged into politics. For the last three months, I toiled round the clock. I am glad that my labour paid off," Mukherjee told rediff.com.

"I dedicate this win to the people of Bengal. They got the change that they deserve," he said.

The Left Front went to a great length in its conspiracy to make him lose, he alleged.

"From tying up with the Bharatiya Janata Party to using muscle power to terrorise the people of this constituency, the Front took all possible measures," he said.

"I was sure to win by a much bigger margin but for these manipulations. However, all's well that ends well," Mukherjee signed off.

"What happened today is quite expected. We have been waiting for this day for the last three years.

"The people of Bengal have rejected the Left Front and have imposed their faith on the capabilities of Mamata Banerjee.

"I don't feel sad for the Front at all. It deserved this debacle.

"I have seen Buddha (Buddhadev Bhattacharjee) for the last 30 years. He failed to lead the state.

"I am not concerned about Bengal's future. I have full confidence in Mamata. But if she also cannot perform up to the people's expectations, the latter will not spare her.

"Today's win has actually been the win of the people".