Shortly after the Calcutta high court ruled on Friday that the legislation enacted by her government to recover land in Singur was constitutionally invalid, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee spoke her mind — on social networking site Facebook.
“I have no comments to offer on Singur Verdict. Throughout my life, I have struggled for the cause of the farmers, working class, poor and under-privileged. Our commitment to be with them will remain, whether I am in power or not. I will continue to fight for this cause. Finally, the people’s choice in democracy will prevail (sic),” she wrote.

The CM’s post appeared at 1.50pm and within hours, nearly a thousand Facebook users liked it and hundreds responded with comments, which ranged from support and what next queries to the usual slanging matches on internet between people with opposing views.

Banerjee is new to Facebook. The Trinamool Congress chief made her debut on the site on June 15 to campaign for giving APJ Abdul Kalam a shot at a second term as president. She did not have her way with that move, but is now hooked to Facebook.

“She is extremely popular on Facebook, with thousands of people commenting on her thoughts and writings. She has got wide support base in this short time,” said Trinamool leader and Rajya sabha member Derek O’Brien.