From the time he became Chief Minister in 2001, Bhattacharjee made it clear that all elections in the state would have to be transparent, free and fair. So when his party colleagues were going to town with their criticism of the Election Commission, Bhattacharjee played it cool, refusing to utter a word against the EC. In fact, his administration quietly but firmly facilitated the work of the EC in the run-up to the elections. After the victory too, he refused to say a word about the party’s row with the EC.

The other highlight of the victory is the boost it gives to the Chief Minister’s agenda for reforms. He was categorical today in saying that he would continue to pursue reforms and encourage industrial development.

“I believe in the historical inevitability of socialism. But we need development. And in the present context we need to invite private capital because there is no alternative,” said Bhattacharjee. But he was equally firm in opposing hire-and-fire labour policies or any move to sell well-performing government undertakings. Even as he addressed the media, his private secretary handed him a note. Bhattacharjee, after reading it, said: “It’s a message from Ratan Tata. But I cannot tell you what it is about.” Was Tata happy? “Of course, he is not only happy but he has proposed something,” replied the CM.

Political circles also predict a bigger role for Bhattacharjee on the national political stage. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was quick to congratulate Bhattacharjee today. The CM too has made it known that he backs Singh’s liberalisation policies, be it FDI or airport modernisation. Even Jyoti Basu, in his initial reaction today, said now that the Left had returned with a thumping majority for the seventh term, Bhattacharjee would have to play a more pro-active role at the national level.

... contd.