It was a historic election in West Bengal, resulting in the defeat of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front after 34 consecutive years in power.

According to the results and lead in the election count, the Left was routed with the Trinamool Congress-Indian National Congress-Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) combine securing around 227 seats out of 294 Assembly seats in the State. The Left could only manage 62, with five seats going to others. 

As the results started becoming clear by early afternoon, the streets of Kolkata erupted in jubilation. Thousands of Trinamool supporters took to the streets with green — the party's official colour — abir (powder) in their hands. Outside the Trinamool supremo, Ms Mamata Banerjee's house in Kalighat, the teeming crowd spilled over the narrow Kalighat Road, on to the main road.  

They came in waves, blowing conches, clanging bells and distributing sweets to announce their victory, just to catch a glimpse of Didi . Ms Banerjee in turn kept stepping out to acknowledge their cheers. “It is hot. Go home now,” she repeatedly told the crowd. 

On the streets, the Trinamool supporters showed remarkable restraint, on Ms Banerjee's instruction, and kept the celebrations within reasonable limits of sound and exuberance. In contrast, the CPI (M) State headquarters in Alimuddin Street had the deserted air of defeat around it. The red abir , the motorbike  processions and the exultant crowd outside the party office were all absent. Instead, Trinamool supporters twice paraded up and down narrow Alimuddin Street, as if in mockery.  

At around 1 P.M., the Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, called on the Governor, Mr M.K. Narayanan, and tendered his resignation.

The Governor, while accepting Mr Bhattacharjee's resignation and that of all other members of his Council of Ministers, requested the Chief Minister and his colleagues to continue to discharge the duties of their offices until alternative arrangements are made.

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