Trinamool blooms in Bengal

After 34 years in power, the Left has had to give way to the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee's call for 'Paribortan', or change, was answered leading Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to resign as Chief Minister.

Scenes of jubilation began early in the Trinamool camp in Kolkata, as the party took the lead in most constituencies. Photo: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury

As the scale of victory became clear, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee addressed supporters at her Kali Ghat residence in Kolkata. Ms. Banerjee hailed the result as a "people's victory". Photo: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee arrives at the CPI(M) headquarters in Kolkata on Friday. Responding to the poll result, Mr. Bhattacharjee resigned. Photo: PTI

Trinamool Congress activists carry the hoardings of their party leader Mamata Banerjee on a street of Kolkata. Photo: PTI

Trinamool Congress supporters in Kolkata celebrate the landslide victory of their party. Trinamool contenders broke new ground in West Bengal as a number of ministers of the Left lost bastions. Photo: Arunangsu Roy

Women activists of Trinamool Congress celebrate their party's victory with colours outside Mamata Banerjee's residence. Photo: PTI

The CPI(M) office in New Delhi bears a sombre look as the Left Front faces defeat in West Bengal and Kerala. Photo: PTI

Supporters of Trinamool Congress throng the residence of party chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. Photo: PTI