Name: Swastika Mukherjee

Occupation: Actress

Residence: Golf Gardens

How the verdict will affect Me: Personally, I wanted this change to happen and I am glad that my vote played a role in bringing about change. I am glued to the television set. Mamata Banerjee has said on every channel that this is the win of the common people. The new government has to prove that to us. Let us see what it does for us. I am sure the government will work for the betterment of the common people and since I am a part of the common people, my life too will change for the better.

Name: Dev

Occupation: Actor

Residence: South City Residency

How the verdict will affect Me: The verdict will not affect me in any way. Nothing is going to change in my life. I will follow the same routine that I have followed so far. The same shoot, gym, diet, home, reading scripts! Besides, the film industry is very apolitical and is not influenced by any party, at least that’s what I feel. I just hope that the new government works for the people and makes West Bengal a better place to live in. They should make us proud to be Bengalis. There should be peace and joy and greenery.

Name: Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury

Occupation: Film-maker

Residence: South City Residency

How the verdict will affect Me: Even though I am from the entertainment industry, entertainment is not what I would like to talk about now. For me, the most important effect of the verdict will hopefully be in restoring the basic dignity of life — public health, education and nutrition. Let the general standard of living be raised first. That is what will make me the happiest and inspire me the most as a film-maker and then we can talk about the entertainment industry. Entertainment will happen anyway, but this is what will motivate me the most as a creative person — to see happier faces in Bengal; a sharbik unnayan (overall development).

Name: Sanjiv Goenka

Occupation: Industrialist

Residence: Alipore

How the verdict will affect Me: It should be business as usual, as they say. When an overwhelming number of people opt for a change, the change is usually for the better. When the government is infused with dynamism, the same spirit should also percolate through to the industry. Now is the time for business to put its best foot forward and help the new leader create a better Bengal. I continue to be committed to investing strongly in the state.

Name: Harshavardhan Neotia

Occupation: Industrialist

Residence: Ballygunge

How the verdict will affect Me: We have a new government after a very long regime and that too with a clear and decisive mandate. I hope that once the government is in place and the political uncertainties are over, the attention can once again be focused on growth and development. This will not only augur well for business but also provide opportunities to our people. Bengal had a rich tradition and some of the most talented people. It is time that we regain our premier place among the states of India. All effort should be made towards that end. I look forward to contributing in whatever humble way I can towards this endeavour.

Name: Agnimitra Paul

Occupation: Fashion designer

Residence: Gurusaday Road

How the verdict will affect Me: The verdict will affect my life only if the governance is good. It is time for Mamata Banerjee to deliver whatever she has promised. And her time starts now! As a fashion designer, I want her to help revive the dying textiles of Bengal and support the cause of weavers. Jute has to be revived. Mamata Banerjee can wear jute chappals instead of rubber ones! I also want to see Bengal regain its status of the cultural capital of the country. She should take care of the law and order and as a woman, be sensitive about the safety and security of those of her gender. She should also make sure that there are no bandhs on weekdays.

Name: Jhulan Goswami

Occupation: Cricketer

Residence: Dum Dum Park

How the verdict will affect Me: How can the verdict affect my life? My one and only job is to go out and play good cricket on the field and win matches for India. And I will keep doing that. As a responsible citizen, I had to vote, which I did, going all the way back to my home in Chakdah, Nadia. But beyond that, my involvement with politics is nil. May the new government do good for everyone. That’s all I can wish for.

Name: Bibi Sarkar

Occupation: Restaurateur

Residence: Jodhpur Park

How the verdict will affect Me: My hope is that the new government will be more proactive towards the business community. That is what will affect my life the most. The Red government was very selective about who got what from it and I am anticipating a more ‘normal’ way of life. I worry though as the coffers are empty and even though the new government might have the best of intentions, I am not sure it will be able to fulfil them. I do think the attitude towards the business community is likely to improve, which will affect my life and business directly.