First phase of polling took place in West Bengal on Monday - it is one that is being closely watched. Even though Mamata Banerjee is riding a wave here, its implications are huge, not just for the state but for the nation as well, particularly Rajya Sabha, and Mamata Banerjee's equation with the Centre. The question though is whether the Congress and Left alliance which has come together unthinkably here for so many people is actually providing a formidable challenge to Mamata Banerjee.