For a government that has been in office almost 30 years, it is not easy to come up with new promises. So Bhattacharjee has decided to build on the new image of the state -- that it is on the fast track.

That the ruling CPM-led Left Front has already figured out its poll promise was clear from CM's articulate reply to a question in Kolkata last week: "To create a state that fits the dream of 21st century youth will be our main plank."He repeatedly stressed the phrase, "Young generation of the 21st century."

Lest the party's concern for the downtrodden should be overlooked, the CM is careful not to ignore those below the poverty line. "There are still some sections of people living below the poverty line. We will have to improve their condition so that they can also participate in the development process,"said Bhattacharjee, who had just presided over a meeting to discuss plans to develop these 'underprivileged' areas.

Government has already identified at least four such pockets -- Bandowan (Purulia district), Belpahari and Birpur (Midnapur district) and Ranibandh (Bankura district). People in these areas are not only deprived of the basic needs, but had also hit the headlines not very long ago on account of reports of starvation deaths (in Amlasol), causing immense embarrassment for a government which swears by the downtrodden.

West Bengal's industry and commerce minister Nirupam Sen, considered close to CM, said: "The idea is to ensure that even those who are living a hand-to-mouth existence today can also afford to dream... The dream must be inclusive of all categories of people in the state and not just for the urban middle class youth."