Buddha chosen as LF legislature party leader

KOLKATA: Buddhadev Bhattacharjee has been selected the Left Front legislature party leader in the West Bengal assembly after the CPI(M)-led front unanimously proposed his name for the post.

The incumbent Chief Minister along with his predecessor Jyoti Basu attended the meeting chaired by Front Chairman Biman Bose.

The front, which met for the first time after it stormed back to power for the record seventh consecutive term, decided that the next meeting would be held on May 17 to discuss formation of the new ministry and related matters.

Bose told reporters that on his return from Delhi after attending tomorrow's CPI(M) politburo meeting, Bhattcharjee would discuss with Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi the constitution of the new legislative Assembly.

He said that as per convention, the new assembly would have to be constituted within seven days of the publication of the election results.

"We do feel that this has to be done by the Chief Electoral Officer and a notification in this regard is likely within three or four days," The LF chairman said.

Bose said Bhattacharjee would be asked to discuss naming a pro-tem Speaker for swearing in the new members.