Indian TMC leader describes her win in West Bengal as "victory of democracy"

Eastern Indian state West Bengal's to-be Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday said the victory of her party Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the local legislative election was the "complete victory of democracy."

Emerging out of her modest home in Kalighat district, Banerjee said, "This is a complete victory of democracy, victory of Maa Matti Manush (mother, earth, people)."

Kalighat is the site of a famous Hindu temple worshipping goddess Kali.

"It is a victory of exploited people, ordinary people, tribals. Everybody supported us. This is a historic verdict. After 34 years, Bengal has got new freedom," she told Xinhua.

She assured the people of West Bengal that her party will deliver good governance.

"While celebrating, we should also remember those martyrs who have given their life in last three decades. With the blessings of the people of Bengal, we will take the state forward," said Mamata, who is also Railway Minister of India apart from being the leader of the Trinamool Congress party (TMC), a local party in West Bengal allied with the Congress party.

The maverick leader thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who had congratulated her on phone for her resounding victory.

She is likely to take oath as the next Chief Minister of West Bengal on May 18.

Hitting out at the Left Front, Banerjee said that "there is no place for autocracy. Atrocities will be stopped across the state."

She also appealed to people to maintain peace and not "fall prey to instigation in such times."

Trinamool Congress-Congress combine has ousted the Left Front in the local legislative election held in April and May, ending a 34-year rule by the Left in West Bengal.

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