Victory unmatched in electoral politics: Basu

Kolkata, May 11: Veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu today said it was unprecedented in parliamentary democracy to see the ruling party return with such a huge margin to retain power for the seventh consecutive term.

''I am overwhelmed. I expected our party to win, but not with such magical numbers,'' the former chief minister of the state told a private television channel.

''We have been in power for long and we also have our share of failures. There is an opposition and the anti-incumbency factor is also there. But despite all these people have voted for us because of our honest effort to deliver what we promise,'' he said.

''We have a limited capacity, but we have been able to turn the tide in our favour with people's mandate,'' he added.

The outspoken leader further lauded incumbent Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee for the huge victory. ''He is the face of Bengal. People have voted for him. His victory margin of over 50,000 votes speaks for itself,'' he added.

''I had a talk with him last evening. He was confident, but did not give a margin. Several ministers have also called up. But some of our sitting minsiters have also lost and we are looking into it,'' he said.

Mr Basu said he would reach Alimuddin Street, he party headquarters, in the evening where the party would hold a press meet.

UNI